SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 21 new satellites into low-Earth orbit from California on Wednesday. These satellites are part of the ambitious Starlink project, which aims to provide global broadband internet by setting up a network of thousands of satellites in space.
One interesting aspect of the satellite launch is the formation known as the satellite train. The satellites are lined up like train cars and can be seen with the naked eye under specific viewing conditions and clear skies. However, Starlink has calculated that there will be no good visibility timings for the satellite train in Minneapolis over the next five days.
Despite this, there is a glimmer of hope for residents of Minneapolis who are eager to catch a glimpse of the satellite train. On Friday, September 29, there will be average conditions that could make the satellites visible for about five minutes starting around 6:03 a.m. It will be a brief window of opportunity, but an exciting prospect for sky gazers.
The next opportunity to see the newest Starlink satellites is on Monday night around 7:34 p.m. Unfortunately, conditions will be poor in the Minneapolis area. However, residents near Duluth, a city located to the northeast of Minneapolis, will have a better chance of seeing the new satellites. Under good conditions, the satellites will be visible around 8:07 p.m. for about four minutes on Monday night.
Viewers are advised to look from west to northeast to spot the satellite train as it makes its way across the sky. Although the exact timings and visibility may vary, Starlink’s satellite launches are an ongoing project that aims to eventually provide global internet coverage. With each successful launch, the dream of a connected world becomes closer to reality.
