How can I see Starlink satellites from my location?

Use LaunchDetect (https://launchdetect.com/best-starlink-tracker/) on web or mobile. Allow location permission, open Tonight's Sky, filter for Starlink. The freshest trains (within 2-4 days of launch) are brightest and most visible — they appear as a string of evenly spaced moving lights in a straight line.

What does a Starlink train look like?

A string of 20-60 evenly spaced bright points moving steadily across the sky in a straight line. Fresh trains (within days of launch) are easily naked-eye visible at magnitude +2 to +4. Older satellites at operational altitude (550 km) are dimmer (magnitude +5 to +7) and harder to see. A pass typically lasts 3-6 minutes.

Why are Starlink trains so visible right after launch?

Newly deployed Starlink satellites travel together in a tight string at low altitude (around 230 km) before they raise themselves to operational altitude. At low altitude they appear brighter and more clustered, making the 'train' visually distinctive. Once they spread out and reach operational altitude (~550 km), they dim and disperse.

How to see a Starlink train from your house.

The trick: catch a fresh train within 2-4 days of launch. They're brilliantly visible then. Older satellites are dim and dispersed.

1Find the most recent Starlink launch

Check launchdetect.com/launches for the latest SpaceX Starlink mission.

2Open the Starlink tracker

Go to LaunchDetect's Starlink tracker or open the mobile app. Allow location.

3Filter Tonight's Sky for Starlink

Tonight's Sky lists visible passes with peak elevation, magnitude, sky direction.

4Pick a fresh, high pass

Trains < 4 days old, peak elevation > 30°. Those are the magnitude +2 to +4 trains that anyone can see.

5Step outside, face the direction, look up

A Starlink train looks like a moving string of lights in a straight line. Distinctive — once you see one you won't mistake it for anything else.