In recent years, the satellite constellation Starlink, from SpaceX, has been expanding rapidly around the Earth, promising to revolutionize global connectivity. In addition to offering high-speed internet in remote locations, Starlink satellites have also become objects of fascination for stargazers and space enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore how you can view Starlink satellites in real-time as they pass through the night sky, providing an incredible astronomical spectacle.
The Starlink Constellation is a network of low-Earth orbit satellites that aims to provide high-speed internet around the world. It is operated by SpaceX, a company founded by Elon Musk, and its objective is to make the internet accessible in remote areas lacking telecommunications infrastructure. The Starlink constellation already has thousands of satellites in orbit and is constantly expanding.
Observing Starlink satellites is an exciting experience and can be done relatively simply thanks to several online tools and apps. Here are the basic steps:
O “Satellite Map Space” is a website that offers an interactive platform for tracking satellites and other objects in Earth’s orbit in real time. It provides detailed information about the position, trajectory, and visibility of these objects, including SpaceX’s Starlink satellites.
Steps to View Starlink Satellites with “Sattelite Map Space”
Access the Website:
First, go to the website “Satellite Map Space” via a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
Location Setting:
The site will ask you to allow access to your current location or manually enter your latitude and longitude. It is important to provide accurate information about your location to obtain accurate observation results.
Select the “Starlink” Category:
On the website, you will see a list of categories of objects in orbit. Select the “Starlink” category to display SpaceX’s Starlink satellites.
Choose a Satellite to Observe:
“Sattelite Map Space” will display a list of Starlink satellites available for observation at your current location. Choose one of them to see its trajectory and visibility times.
View the Trajectory in Real Time:
When you select a specific satellite, the website will show its trajectory in real-time on the map, including the direction it is moving and its elevation above the horizon.
Plan your Observation:
With the information provided, you can plan when and where to look to see Starlink satellites in action. The website will show the start and end times of visibility, as well as the maximum elevation of the satellite during the pass.
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Photo by Igor Mashkov
