A fascinating sight was observed on Tuesday night in Matanzas, where residents were surprised to see numerous lights in the sky. Photographer David López captured the phenomenon with his 35mm lens at 9:20 pm, documenting a formation of small, perfectly aligned luminous points.
Meteorologist Henry Delgado Manzor confirmed on his Facebook profile that the "strange lights" belong to the Starlink satellites launched by the aerospace company SpaceX (founded by billionaire Elon Musk). These satellites were recently launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
"In the days following the launch, the satellites can be seen with the naked eye. They usually travel in groups and move in a straight line at a constant speed, maintaining their formation, which makes them easy to identify," Delgado Manzor explained. "Over time, these satellites separate from each other, and the line becomes less visible," added the member of the Cuban Meteorological Society.
Additionally, internet user Edmundo Dantés Junior shared several images of the phenomenon on his Facebook wall. "Amazing! Strange lights in a line are seen all over Cuba. 'The Yankees are sending us Morse code messages,' some say. Others thank the power outages for allowing them to see the spectacle, claiming it is an achievement of the Revolution," he expressed.
Understanding Starlink's Impact
Starlink, a project by SpaceX, is a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites designed to provide high-speed, low-cost internet service worldwide. Since its inception in 2019, more than 6,000 Starlink satellites have been launched, orbiting the planet at altitudes between 450 and 1,200 km.
"A fascinating display of space technology in action!" remarked meteorologist Delgado Manzor.
FAQs About Starlink Satellites Over Cuba
Given the recent sighting of Starlink satellites over Matanzas, many residents have questions about the phenomenon. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What are the strange lights seen in the sky over Matanzas?
The strange lights are the Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX to provide global high-speed internet service.
Who captured the images of the Starlink satellites?
Photographer David López captured the images with his 35mm lens at 9:20 pm.
Why are the Starlink satellites visible shortly after their launch?
After their launch, the satellites travel in groups and move in a straight line at a constant speed, making them visible to the naked eye.
How many Starlink satellites are currently in orbit?
As of now, more than 6,000 Starlink satellites are orbiting the Earth at altitudes between 450 and 1,200 km.