Starlink satellites are best seen shortly after launch when they travel in a "train" formation, which appears as a bright line of lights moving across the night sky. These "trains" are visible for several days after the launch before the satellites spread out into their operational orbits, making them harder to see. The best times to see Starlink satellites are typically just after sunset or just before sunrise, when the satellites are illuminated by the Sun but the observer is in darkness. Starlink launches occur frequently, with upcoming launches in early October 2025, for example on October 3, 6, 8, and 10. Right after these launches, the satellite trains are visible to the naked eye and can be tracked using apps like Sky Tonight, Star Walk 2, or Satellite Tracker, which provide real-time location and pass times based on your location. To see Starlink satellites:
- Look for a chain of bright lights in the sky shortly after sunset or before sunrise.
- Use satellite tracking apps to get exact times and directions for your location.
- After several days post-launch, it becomes much harder to spot the satellites without a telescope.
For recent or upcoming visibility, check tracking apps close to launch dates or use online trackers to find when Starlink satellites will pass over your location. The next notable Starlink launches in October 2025 include batches launching on October 3, 6, 8, and 10, which provide good opportunities to see the satellite train.
