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It tells you when to go outside and look up to see the satellites as they pass over your house

This must be made up. I have been assured repeatedly on HN that Starlink is a visual non-factor, and that nobody would notice them in the sky, they won't get in the way of astronomy, stargazing, or just enjoying the night sky like humans have done for thousands of years.



The satellites are much more visible when they were just launched, when they are in a “low drag” configuration. It takes some time for them to reach operational altitude, at which point they shift to a “low brightness” configuration.

And I don’t think anyone ever (credibly) said they don’t affect astronomy. They do. Fortunately SpaceX is working with the astronomy community to minimize the effect.

If I do look up in the nights sky and see many faint little points, it’s still something to marvel at. But I think once at operational altitude they will be difficult to see with the naked eye.


Both statements are true. The satellites are visible if it is dark but it they don’t interfere with enjoyment of the nights sky.

They cross over so fast it’s basically like looking at planes, but they are much further away than planes so you have to really look to see them.


Well, there's an easy way to find out who's right. Look at the website, go outside when it tells you to, and look up. Let us know what you find.


I saw the first Starlink set a couple of weeks ago, looking up from a city street. It is amazing sight, a line of moving stars, not very bright, stretching horizon to horizon. When all the satellites are in orbit, it will drastically change the night sky, especially in the early evening when they reflect the most light from the Sun.


Dusk




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