About Starlink Satellite Train, A beautiful night sky may harbor more than the usual glamorous moon and stars. Often, individuals have further noticed straight white-dotted lines.
In the past, we used to associate the train of lights with a UFO (Ultra High-Frequency Follow-On) satellite system.
However, after the launch of Starlink, we can now attribute the dots to the company.
In today’s blog, we will learn about the Starlink satellite train and all the science behind it.
What Is a Starlink Satellite Train?
Generally, satellites inhabit different Earth orbits and spaces depending on their designated purposes.
For instance, satellite providers like Viasat and OneWeb have their geostationary satellites launched into deep space.
On the contrary, the SpaceX Starlink ISP has launched its satellites in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
(Telecommunication satellite in space, Low Earth Orbit)
In that case, a Starlink satellite train comprises a chain of satellites in close ranges that are roaming the LEO.
In hindsight, they resemble a straight or curved line of stars.
Since they lack light, Starlink satellites have solar power, making them easily reflect light from the sun.
As a result, we can appreciate them using telescopes or through a normal human eye.
Also, they are in a coordinated line because the company ensures it simultaneously launches the satellites in clusters.
(Moving Starlink Satellite)
How Many Satellites Are In A SpaceX Satellite Train?
Since its inception, SpaceX has often distributed around 50 satellites in a single launch. For instance, in May, they released about 185 satellites in the order below:
May 4th – 56 satellites
The May 10th – 51 satellites
May 14th – 56 satellites
May 19th – 22 satellites
Nonetheless, Starlink has made some adjustments and is launching 22 satellites each batch.
The 185 satellites, in addition to previously launched satellites, bring approximately 4,500 active satellites. Of the 4500 satellites, 3500 are still up and running.
Note: The company has adopted the plane drift concept to ensure the satellites stay in a row while in the LEO (approximately 350 miles beyond Earth).
(Silhouette view of a fleet of Internet Starlink satellites in orbit above Earth)
How To Track Starlink Satellite Trains
Have you been wondering if you can track a Starlink Satellite from Earth? The short answer is yes.
Once you acquaint yourself with the tracking method, you’ll be able to see the trains on every launch.
One of the ways we highly recommend is using a smartphone. With your phone, you can download and use applications that may or may not require an internet connection to work.
(Internet connection concept in a city)
Recommended applications
Star Walk 2
First, we have Star Walk 2, a stargazing application that shows celestial objects in a 3D format. Furthermore, it updates the user on current Astronomy news.
How to use Star Walk 2
- Access the application on your smartphone, then on the bottom left, tap the magnifier icon.
- Secondly, at the screen’s bottom right corner, you’ll find the satellite icon. Select the icon to view recently launched satellites.
- Lastly, move to the SpaceX Starlink part and choose ‘Mission.’ From there, you may pick any satellite and see its current locale.
Sky Tonight
Our second application of choice enables you to view deep sky entities, star patterns, and satellites.
How to use Sky tonight
- Select the magnifier icon, leading you to the Search Function key.
- Next, key in the word Starlink in your search box and pick a satellite you’d wish to track.
- Then, tap the target icon.
- Finally, direct your phone upwards and pay attention to the white arrow.
As you wait for the satellite to appear in your area, tap the bell icon or the blue timestamp to set a reminder.
(Satellite tracking in an aerial view in a residential area)
Satellite Tracker
Inarguably, we have saved the best for the last. Our final pick is free and uses the night sky or Earth’s map as reference points for viewing a satellite bearing. Consequently, it displays the satellites in different changeable modes (the most common being a 3D render).
How to use Satellite Tracker
- Access the application, then press the Satellite icon.
- Select “ALL” and scroll down to Special Interest, where you’ll find the ‘SpaceX Starlink’ section.
- Afterward, choose the most recently launched satellite for tracking and tap ‘Track.’ A commendable upside of this app is that you can select multiple satellites.
Additional tips
- First, Satellite Tracker has a Next Pass countdown feature that alerts you when a satellite is about to pass your locality. Therefore, go to the drop-down menu and tap the alarm clock and timer to set a reminder for the occasion.
- Sometimes, you can view the sky above your area. In this case, proceed to the main sky then press the button on the lower panel’s right side. The app will display the real-time location of the satellite as a white arrow.
Conclusion
Starlink satellites appear as a train of bright white dots in the night sky. Mostly, you can appreciate the dots with your naked eyes or use a telescope.
Other times, you can opt for smartphone applications to track the trains after launching.
Additionally, despite the concerns of space crowding, light pollution, collisions, and radio interference, Starlink is working tirelessly to produce newer and more effective satellites.