As I walked home the other night, I couldn’t help but notice a peculiar string of lights soaring across the sky. It was an extraordinary sight, and I was left wondering what could be the explanation for it. Although the idea of extraterrestrial activity crossed my mind, I reasoned that there must be a logical answer to this phenomenon.
Thankfully, there is indeed a rational explanation behind these mysterious lights. Contrary to what one might think, it is not aliens visiting Earth but rather a project initiated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX called Starlink. The lights are actually a fleet of over 4,500 satellites that have been launched into space to provide satellite internet services.
Starlink offers high-speed broadband internet to its customers using its constellation of satellites. These satellites are much smaller than traditional ones, enabling them to orbit closer to Earth at a distance of about 300 miles. This proximity allows for faster and more reliable internet connections, with download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps and upload speeds from five to 20 Mbps. Starlink also offers a Premium service with speeds of up to 500 Mbps.
However, accessing Starlink’s internet services comes at a cost. For those in serviceable locations, the monthly subscription fee is $110. Additionally, there is an initial fee of $599 for the satellite dish and wifi router. Customers can also choose to upgrade to the Premium service, which costs $500 per month and requires an initial fee of $2,500.
While Starlink may not be the best option for those already enjoying excellent internet coverage, it proves to be a game-changer for areas with limited or poor internet service. As long as there is an unobstructed view of the sky, users can benefit from fast and reliable satellite internet.
If you are interested in tracking Starlink satellites, there are online tools available to help. Websites like Find Starlink provide information on when and where these satellites will be passing overhead at any given location. By inputting your city and country, you can determine if a sighting is scheduled in your area.
Next time you catch a glimpse of a similar string of lights in the sky, rest assured that you are witnessing the ingenuity of human technology rather than an extraterrestrial visitation.
