People across Merseyside spotted a line of linked lights in the sky on Sunday night, with the objects believed to be Starlink satellites. The Liverpool ECHO received multiple messages overnight from residents sharing photos of the unusual sight.
What were the lights?
The lights, visible across the region, are thought to be Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. The company provides internet to as many as 160 countries using thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit, which makes the internet faster than traditional older satellite systems.
The satellites seen on Sunday are likely to have been launched within the last five days, as fresh batches remain visible in twilight skies for up to five days after launch.
Where were they seen?
One video shows the Starlink satellites flying above Otterspool as the sun set in the distance. The satellites were also reported in Banks, north of Southport.
After launch, the satellites rise to operational altitude, where they are no longer visible to the naked eye due to visors and angle adjustments. There are believed to be more than 10,000 operational Starlink units in orbit.
Controversy and expansion
Starlink has proved controversial since its launch. Space.com shared an article last month analysing the company's satellites, with 10,860 working Starlink satellites believed to be in orbit, but many believe this could hinder astronomical observations.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk initially filed documents in 2015 to place 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. Space.com reports SpaceX has since been granted permission to fly 12,000 Starlink satellites, with the company filing to fly up to 30,000 additional spacecraft.
