SpaceX sends "Starlink" satellites into orbit - they can be seen in the evening sky

The SpaceX "Starlink" satellites can be clearly seen in the sky over Germany. Especially the 60 newly launched satellites deliver a show.

• The private space company SpaceX regularly shoots Internet satellites into space
• 420 “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX *  orbit the Earth  - most recently 60 satellites were launched on April 22nd
• SpaceX has long been the largest satellite operator - and is also receiving criticism for the  "Starlink" project

+++ Update from April 24, 2020, 3.20 p.m .: The "Starlink" satellites from SpaceX are repeatedly criticized. Read a comment on this: “Starlink” from SpaceX coats earth orbit and the night sky.

+++ Update from April 24, 2020, 9.15 a.m . : Yesterday evening, two overflights of "Starlink" satellites could be observed in parts of Germany. The overflight at 9:55 p.m. was particularly interesting because it involved the 60 satellites just launched the day before. And they could be seen very clearly - at least in the Rhine-Main area: flying close together, they formed a bright satellite "train" that quickly moved from west to east across the sky.

#Starlink satelites over soutern Germany near Venus.

Impressive. Sci Fi.

Wow @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/B7mznnQN8B

“Starlink” satellites clearly visible in the night sky

+++ Update from April 23, 2020, 12.25 p.m .: 420  “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX have been orbiting the earth since last night. One criticism from astronomers is that the satellites can be seen shining brightly in the sky - and that they almost never come alone: ​​there is always a whole swing of satellites one after the other across the sky - and thus disturbs astronomical observations, for example. The "Starlink" satellites are a horror for many amateur astronomers  too . Other amateur stargazers also enjoy the spectacle.

At the moment you can see the  "Starlink" satellites moving across the sky from Germany. There will be several options for observing the satellites in the next few days (observation times for Frankfurt / Main).

Watch “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX live

• April 23, 2020, 9:35 pm: the "Starlink" satellites move from west to east
• April 23, 2020, 9:55 p.m .: The satellites are moving from west to south - they are the "Starlink" satellites launched on April 22
• April 24, 2020, 4:40 a.m .: The satellites fly from west to east
• April 24, 2020, 11:11 pm: the "Starlink" satellites move from west to east across the sky
• April 25, 2020, 5:16 a.m .: The satellites fly from west to east
• April 26, 2020, 9:47 pm: the SpaceX satellites move from west to east
• April 27, 2020, 4.52 a.m .: The satellites fly from northwest to east across the sky

See “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX live in the sky over Germany

+++ Update from 10:10 pm: In parts of Europe you could watch the  "Starlink" satellites in the sky shortly after launch. They could be seen clearly as pictures on Twitter show. This is also the main point of criticism that many have about the “Starlink” project for fast internet from space : The satellites can be clearly seen in the sky, they make their orbits in long chains - and thus massively disrupt astronomical observations.

Just launched and already spottet above Germany: the new #starlink satellites @SpaceX pic.twitter.com/t3WeZAJvvB

SpaceX satellites: “Starlink” project now consists of 420 satellites

+++ Update from 9.45 p.m .: The SpaceX rocket with 60  “Starlink” satellites launched 15 minutes ago on Cape Canaveral. The 60 satellites were released into space. The first stage of the rocket has landed safely on the drone ship "Because I still love you" in the Atlantic. Soon you could see the satellites in the night sky over Europe.

Successful deployment of 60 Starlink satellites confirmed pic.twitter.com/h3e6QmKRue

“Starlink” satellites from SpaceX on their way to space - see satellites live

+++ Update from April 22, 2020, 8:40 pm: Tonight (start: 9:30 pm) the private space company SpaceX from Elon Musk wants to send the next 60  “Starlink” satellites into orbit. "Starlink" - this is a project that will offer fast internet from space in every corner of the world in the future. The "Starlink" project is demonized by many astronomers , as the satellites can be clearly seen in the night sky as they fly in long chains across the dark sky and interfere with observations . At the same time, the sight is fascinating. You might be able to convince yourself of this again tonight: The  “Starlink” satellites should be visible in the sky over Europe about 20 minutes after launch.

See “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX live in the sky

But one thing at a time: what happens tonight? At 9:30 p.m. German time in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the 60  "Starlink" satellites are to take off on board a  "Falcon 9" rocket from SpaceX . It will be the fourth deployment for the first stage of the recycling rocket, after which it will land again on a drone ship in the Atlantic. Just 15 minutes after launch, the satellites separate from the rocket - and shortly afterwards the "Starlink" satellites should be visible in the sky. If you notice a bright "star" in the west when looking at the night sky: It is the planet Venus, which currently shines as an "evening star" in the sky *.

The next batch of #starlink sats is ready to launch tonight at 19:37 UTC from Florida and should be perfectly visible in the sky over continental Europe about 20 min later.
Orbit prediction comes from @Marco_Langbroek plot smbdy else @ Weltraumwagner @ Clearskies_SW @ AstroZwerge pic.twitter.com/Pc8UmkjSbK

SpaceX Internet project: Another 60 "Starlink" satellites launched

+++ Update from April 22, 2020, 10:00  a.m .: So far, 360 "Starlink" satellites from SpaceX have been orbiting the earth, but that is likely to change today: In the evening (9:37 p.m. German time), SpaceX wants to join  the next 60 satellites launch a "Falcon 9" rocket into space. You can read details about the start and the "Starlink" project from 8.30 p.m. at this point, then there is also a livestream. 

“Starlink” satellites orbit the Earth - watch overflights live

+++ Update from April 19, 2020: 360  "Starlink" satellites from SpaceX are currently circling around the world, with another 60 satellites to be added in the coming week. Some of the satellites can currently be seen in Germany from time to time in the dark sky . Mostly in the morning, but again and again in the evening. Anyone who sees a lot of points of light, lined up like a "string of pearls" moving in succession across the dark sky, has probably discovered them: the  "Starlink" satellites during an overflight .

Overflight of "Starlink" satellites can be seen live in the sky over Germany

Such an overflight of the “Starlink” satellites can take several minutes and can be quite an impressive sight. The satellite chains are definitely noticeable - there are even supposed to be people who suspect UFO sighting and call the corresponding hotlines. The  “Starlink” satellites can be observed in a targeted manner when the sky is clear and dark. An overview of the next visible overflights , observation times for the Frankfurt / Main location. Observation times for other locations can vary and can be calculated via corresponding websites.

At these times you can watch the "Starlink" satellites in the Rhein-Main area:

• April 19, 2020, 10:24 p.m., the "Starlink" chain flies from west to northeast
• April 20, 2020, 3.56 am, the "Starlink" satellites move from east to east
• April 20, 2020, 5.28 a.m., the satellites fly from west to east
• April 20, 2020, 11 p.m., the SpaceX satellites fly from west to north
• April 21, 2020, 4:30 am, the "Starlink" satellites can be seen from west to east
• April 21, 2020, 10 p.m., the "Starlink" satellites race in the sky from west to northeast
• April 22, 2020, 5.05 a.m., the SpaceX satellites are moving from west to east
• April 23, 2020, 9:35 pm, the SpaceX satellites can be seen from west to east

To see the SpaceX project “Starlink” live - what is behind the satellites?

But what is behind the  "Starlink" satellites ? It is a project of the private space company SpaceX by Elon Musk . "Starlink" is to become a global network of several thousand Internet satellites, which should bring fast Internet to the last corners of the world. This network is currently under construction.

SpaceX Starlink satellite trains

Source https://t.co/DvNF7w4FMK pic.twitter.com/hssvCBMgsQ

The plan was to launch around two rockets each with 60 "Starlink" satellites each month. In Corona times, however, this slows down somewhat, the next launch of a “Falcon 9” rocket from SpaceX with 60 additional  “Starlink” satellites is currently planned for April 22, 2020. Other companies are also planning similar projects, such as Amazon. However, competitor OneWeb had to cope with the Corona crisis recently. Register bankruptcy.

“Starlink” satellites to be seen in the sky - This triggered severe criticism of SpaceX

Fast internet available worldwide - what sounds good at first has a negative side effect: The  "Starlink" satellites , which are visible across the dark sky, disrupt both professional astronomy and amateur astronomers. In their recordings, for example, traces of the satellites can be seen again and again .

This triggered strong criticism in the scene and caused SpaceX to send a so-called "dark satellite" into space. One of the  "Starlink" satellites was specially coated for this; it is to be used to test whether the satellites can be seen less from Earth. A result of this test has not yet been published.

See “Starlink” satellites live as a “chain of lights” over Germany

+++ Update from April 15, 2020: The “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX can still be seen in the  sky above the Rhine-Main area. Visibility is currently shifting into the early morning. The launch of the next 60  “Starlink” satellites with a “Falcon 9” rocket has been postponed to April 23.

The current observation times for the Frankfurt / Main location:

• April 15, 2020, 5:41 am, from southwest to east
• April 17, 2020, 5:18 am, from southwest to east
• April 18, 2020, 4:20 pm, from southeast to east
• April 18, 2020, 9:48 pm, from southwest to east
• April 19, 2020, 4.54 a.m., from southwest to east

360 “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX orbit the earth

+++ Update from April 9, 2020: 360 “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX have been flying over our heads for some time. And in April, the next 60 satellites for fast internet from space are to be added. The next launch of a "Falcon 9" rocket with "Starlink" satellites is scheduled for April 16, 2020 at 11:31 p.m. from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to several media reports.

If you want to observe the "Starlink" satellites , which are already in orbit, you have to get up early: They can only be seen in the sky above the Rhine-Main area early in the morning. The observation times for the coming days:

• April 10, 2020, 5:14 a.m .: From northwest to east
• April 11, 2020, 4:16 a.m .: From northeast to east
• April 12, 2020: 4.51 a.m .: From west to southeast
• April 13, 2020, 5.26 a.m .: From west to southeast

“Starlink” satellites from SpaceX - like a chain of lights in the dark sky

+++ Update from April 3, 2020: The  “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX can still be seen on their overflight over Germany. The next overflights, observation times for the Rhine-Main area:

• April 3, 2020, 9:30 p.m .: From west to northeast
• April 4, 2020, 5:14 a.m .: From northwest to east
• April 4, 2020, 10:06 p.m .: From northwest to north
• April 5, 2020, 5.40 a.m .: From west to east
• April 5, 2020, 9:06 p.m .: From west to east
• April 6, 2020, 4.36 a.m .: From north to east
• April 6, 2020, 6:09 a.m .: From northwest to east
• April 6, 2020, 9:41 pm: From west to east
• April 7, 2020, 5:45 a.m .: From northwest to east

“Starlink” satellites are striking across the sky - that's how you watch them

+++ Update from April 2, 2020: The weather is good, the sky is clear in the evening - it makes sense to look at the stars while walking in the evening. However, the string of lights that you may see across the sky is not a UFO invasion, as some have speculated. Nor are they airplanes that spray disinfectants in the face of the corona crisis - this rumor can also be heard occasionally.

These are the lights that quickly move across the sky like a string, like satellites . They are the internet satellites for the SpaceX project "Starlink" . If you want to observe the satellites specifically: observation times can be found a little further down in this ticker. If you notice a bright star in the west besides the satellites, you can find out more about the planet Venus as the “evening star”. Those who notice a particularly large full moon on April 7th are not mistaken: in the night of April 7th to 8th you can admire a super moon.

“Starlink” satellites move across the sky as a “chain of lights”

+++ Update from March 31, 2020: At the moment there is good weather in large parts of Germany, the sky is starry in the evening . One or the other may notice a long chain of points of light during the evening stroll that quickly moves across the night sky . These are not UFOs , but the  “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX . "StarLink", which is a major project of the aerospace company of Elon Musk : Tens of thousands of these satellites are to the future Earth orbit and our planet for even the most remote corners fast internet provide.

"Starlink" project: SpaceX competitor OneWeb files for bankruptcy

The “Starlink” project is not only praised, but also has to accept a lot of criticism because the satellites can be seen very clearly in the sky and thereby change the night sky forever. There are other companies that have similar plans to  Starlink , including Amazon.

One competitor has now declared bankruptcy in the corona crisis: OneWeb . The company had sent 34 satellites into space a few days before the bankruptcy filing, according to the company, a total of 74 satellites orbit the earth. SpaceX , on the other hand, already has 360 "Starlink" satellites in Earth orbits - making it the largest satellite operator .

Observe SpaceX “Starlink” satellites in the evening or morning sky

The  "Starlink" satellites of SpaceX can currently be observed on the evening and morning sky. Observation times for the Frankfurt am Main location for the coming days:

• March 31, 2020, 9:18 p.m .: from west to northeast
• April 1, 2020, 5:39 a.m .: from west to east
• April 1, 2020, 9:54 p.m .: from west to northeast
• April 2, 2020, 5.59 a.m .: from west to northeast
• April 2, 2020, 8:54 p.m .: from west to east
• April 3, 2020, 4.50 a.m .: from northeast to east
• April 3, 2020, 6:22 a.m .: from west to east
• April 3, 2020, 9:30 p.m .: from west to northeast

“Starlink” satellites move across the sky like a chain of lights - no UFOs

+++ Update from March 27, 2020, 8:00 p.m .: The sky over Germany is currently mostly clear - and often the “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX can also be seen during an overflight. Current observation times for the Frankfurt / Main location:

• March 28, 2020, 5:10 am, from southwest to east
• March 28, 2020, 7:52 pm, from west to southeast
• March 28, 2020, 8:06 pm, from southwest to east
• March 29, 2020, 7:52 p.m., from west to southeast
• March 29, 2020, 8:06 pm, from south to east
• March 29, 2020, 9:41 pm, from west to northeast
• March 30, 2020, 8:28 pm, from west to southeast
• March 30, 2020, 8:40 pm, from southwest to east
• March 31, 2020, 5.24 a.m., from south to east
• March 31, 2020, 7:39 p.m., from southwest to east

Observe “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX during the overflight

+++ Update from March 18, 2020, 8.15 p.m .: Today, Wednesday, SpaceX once again sent 60 satellites into space for the “Starlink” internet project. On board a "Falcon 9" rocket from the private space company, they launched into space, where they were subsequently released and are now gradually entering their final orbits.

With this launch, 360 “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX are now in orbit around the earth. Meanwhile, the criticism of astronomers about the project does not stop. Among other things, experts criticize that the satellites "pollute" the night sky and make astronomical observations more difficult.

Successful deployment of 60 Starlink satellites confirmed pic.twitter.com/GZq8sUQ2TP

The "Starlink" satellites can also be seen time and again in the sky over Germany. Here are some selected dates in the near future for the Frankfurt am Main location:

• March 19, 2020, 4.32 a.m., viewing direction southeast
• March 19, 2020, 7.17 p.m., looking west to east
• March 19, 2020, 8:25 pm, looking west to south
• March 20, 2020, 7:27 p.m., looking west to southeast
• March 20, 2020, 7:52 p.m., looking west to northeast

60 more "Starlink" satellites on their way into orbit

+++ Update from January 7, 2020, 9.15 a.m . : During the night, SpaceX sent 60 more "Starlink" satellites into space as planned. What this means for the company and what the future plans are, you can read in this article about SpaceX and the "Starlink" project *.

“Starlink” satellites from SpaceX can be seen in the evening sky

+++ Update from January 6, 2020, 10 a.m .: In the coming days, the "Starlink" satellites from SpaceX will once again be seen in the evening sky over Germany. At the same time there should be replenishment: In the night from Monday to Tuesday (7.1.2020) SpaceX wants to send the next 60 "Starlink" satellites into space. Then 120 operational and 60 test satellites orbit around the world - and there could soon be many more.

The observation times for the coming days (the times should fit +/- 10 minutes):

• January 6, 2020, 5.46 p.m., heading west
• January 7, 2020, 6:20 p.m., heading west
• January 8, 2020, 5:03 p.m., heading west
• January 8, 2020, 6:38 p.m., heading west

Update from January 1, 2020, 8:55 pm: The "Starlink" satellites from SpaceX can be seen again over Germany for a few days. Observation times for Frankfurt am Main:

• January 2, 2020, 5:39 pm to the west
• January 4, 2020, 4:55 p.m. West

"Starlink" satellites from SpaceX provide UFO reports

+++ Update from December 11, 2019, 9.45 a.m .:  Up to and including December 10, 2019, the UFO Reporting Office received 60 UFO reports, which can be traced back to the "Starlink" satellites from SpaceX. At the moment you can no longer see the satellites moving over Germany - therefore the reports should stop.

+++ Update from December 6, 2019, 1:00 p.m .: The “Starlink” satellites could also be seen in the morning sky over Germany in the past few days - and the unusual sight continues to trigger reports at the UFO registration office. "They shone like stars in the sky and I was surprised that they moved and then I noticed the formation," wrote one who saw the SpaceX satellites in a message to the registration office.

SpaceX satellites can be seen in the morning over Germany

+++ First announcement from December 4, 2019: Lights, bright as stars, move across the night sky - one after the other, lined up like a chain: The Internet satellites from SpaceX are currently visible in the morning sky over Germany and keep worrying for confusion. There have already been some reports at the UFO registration office. In the reports, there is talk of a "string of pearls similar to a star trail" or of a "string of pearls". There were also recent sightings of the satellites in Cornwall, which caused greater confusion until it could finally be resolved: It was the “Starlink” satellite formation from SpaceX .

Shortly after SpaceX, the private space company from Elon Musk , launched the first 60 "Starlink" Internet satellites in space in May 2019, the first images of the satellites were circulating at night: They streaked across the night sky as if strung on a string of pearls. While SpaceX founder Musk appeased, critics feared the worst: "Starlink" and other planned constellations of Internet satellites would "litter" the night sky, the bright satellites would not only cloud the sky for the lay sky observer, but also the professional astronomy massively impair *.

Like a “pearl necklace”: “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX clearly visible

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) warned * already after the launch of the first 60 satellites * of the "principle of a dark and radio-silent sky", also as a "resource for all mankind and also for the protection of nocturnal animals". In the meantime, the number of “Starlink” satellites from SpaceX orbiting the earth has doubled: In mid-November, Elon Musk launched the second batch of “Starlink” satellites, and these 60 satellites are mainly the ones that are currently being used at night and can see in the sky in the early morning.

I went back inside to thaw out for a while, and went back outside again after half an hour or so, at around 6am. The sky was brighter, but Starlinks were still crossing the sky. Note: despite the brightness of the sky the sateliites were still naked eye visible ... pic.twitter.com/kBEvRR6eCb

In the coming days you can see the SpaceX satellites from Frankfurt in the morning in the morning (times and directions can vary for other locations, here you can calculate the overflights).

SpaceX satellites: calculate observation times

The SpaceX satellites cannot currently be seen from Germany. Observation times for locations worldwide can be calculated at any time with this tool.

Apparently the SpaceX satellites are currently much brighter in the sky than expected. As observers have determined, 20 of the satellites have risen continuously after launch and are at an altitude of around 400 kilometers. 40 other SpaceX satellites, on the other hand, have been at an altitude of around 350 kilometers for some time. SpaceX does not comment on how the satellites move.

SpaceX Internet satellites have already changed the night sky

Regardless of what SpaceX and Elon Musk say or do not say about the "Starlink" satellites, there is now a feeling among many astronomers and sky watchers that the night sky has already changed. He has the feeling that "his" sky has changed, "that the sky I grew up with is no longer", the amateur astronomer and astronomy author Stuart Atkinson summarizes his thoughts on Twitter. “The sky used to be peaceful, a place of calm beauty. Now it’s so crowded up there with satellites scurrying through a supermarket like shopping carts on Christmas Eve. It feels ... different. "

I can't help feeling that * my * sky has changed, that the sky I grew up with is no more. The sky used to be peaceful, a place of quiet beauty, It's so busy up there now, with satellites scurrying about like trolleys in a supermarket on Christmas Eve, it feels ... different. pic.twitter.com/SKAJiKYsPJ

Things are likely to get worse in the future: SpaceX wants to send up to 40,000 Internet satellites into space * and other companies also have plans for satellite constellations that will make fast Internet possible in future in the most remote corners of the world: OneWeb is planning a constellation and Amazon has already made such plans public. SpaceX plans to launch a total of 24 "Starlink" missions in 2020 - that would be two rocket launches, each with 60 satellites a month and a total of 1440 new satellites in one year.

SpaceX could quickly increase the number of active satellites significantly

For comparison: 2062 active satellites are currently orbiting the world (as of 03/2019), plus countless discarded satellites and space debris. Since the launch of the first "Sputnik 1" satellite in 1957, around 8,500 satellites have been launched into space. SpaceX could significantly increase these numbers on its own in a very short time - and at the same time could ensure that in the future more satellites will be briefly seen in the night sky than stars can be seen with the naked eye. This number is significantly lower than you might think: In perfect conditions - which are very rare - you can see a maximum of 3000 stars. In light-polluted cities, there are even fewer than 100 stars that are visible to the naked eye.

By Tanja Banner

* fr.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.

List of rubric lists: © picture alliance / dpa / Mads Claus Rasmussen