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30 strong convoy of high altitude aircraft just passed overhead

  • 25-03-2020 9:47pm
    #1
    J_V_C
    Registered Users Posts: 91 ✭✭


    Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone out there witnessed this over Wicklow about 10 minutes ago. It looked like a long line of satellites passing straight over head but there was no noise at all, completely silent before during and after.

    According to my brother, who just saw it, and found the whole thing quite remarkable, it was heading west to east. He also said some of the satellites were in triangular formations and that several peeled off from the main convoy to go due south.

    What on earth do you make of that?


«13

Comments

  • #2
    SlowBlowin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,891 ✭✭✭SlowBlowin


    Spacex Starlink train.. check Heavens Above.com


  • #3
    Tenzor07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,999 ✭✭✭Tenzor07


    Starlink: https://youtu.be/l58nWIvyYs0


  • #4
    TeaPot918
    Registered Users Posts: 60 ✭✭TeaPot918


    Yup Starlink, just watched it myself, International space station will pass at 21:14 if ye want to go outside again


  • #5
    J_V_C
    Registered Users Posts: 91 ✭✭J_V_C


    Jeez, I'd like to see that, thanks guys :}


  • #6
    Collie D
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,400 ✭✭✭✭Collie D


    That’s pretty cool. Would they pass over here regularly? Never seen or heard of that before.


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  • #7
    _Brian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,618 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    Tenzor07 wrote: »
    Starlink: https://youtu.be/l58nWIvyYs0

    That’s remarkable


  • #8
    paddylonglegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,550 ✭✭✭paddylonglegs


    Tenzor07 wrote: »
    Starlink: https://youtu.be/l58nWIvyYs0

    Watching that, all I’m hearing in my head is “holidays are coming, holidays are coming”


  • #9
    _Brian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,618 ✭✭✭✭_Brian


    TeaPot918 wrote: »
    Yup Starlink, just watched it myself, International space station will pass at 21:14 if ye want to go outside again

    Willl that train be visible with it ?


  • #10
    Darksoul
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 292 ✭✭Darksoul


    Would it be roughly the same time visible down in tipp then?


  • #11
    Darksoul
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 292 ✭✭Darksoul


    Would it be roughly the same time visible down in tipp then?


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  • #12
    bilston
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,814 ✭✭✭✭bilston


    paddylonglegs wrote: »
    Watching that, all I’m hearing in my head is “holidays are coming, holidays are coming”

    That would be amazing to show the kids on Christmas Eve!


  • #13
    Doyler92
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,664 ✭✭✭Doyler92


    I googled it but still can’t really understand its purpose. Can anybody explain to somebody who knows nothing about aviation?


  • #14
    GarIT
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    Doyler92 wrote: »
    I googled it but still can’t really understand its purpose. Can anybody explain to somebody who knows nothing about aviation?

    They are satellites being sent up to provide high speed broadband globally. These are the things making the national broadband plan irrelevant before they start work on it.


  • #15
    touts
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,536 ✭✭✭touts


    It is a satellite network Elon Musk is putting into orbit to provide global high speed broadband. Right now they have just over 200 satellites in orbit. They plan to put something like 27,000 in orbit in the next few years. What you saw tonight was just one train of around 60 satellites. By 2027 the night sky as we know it will be full of them. It will look like a net of moving stars covering the sky. I don't think people realise just how big a change this is going to be but Space-x can do it because no government really has control over it.


  • #16
    hairyslug
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,595 ✭✭✭hairyslug


    Not gonna lie, thought OP was trolling, also not gonna lie, if I saw that myself without knowing what it was, I'd probably **** myself


  • #17
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Don’t mention Starlink if you are in the company of astronomers. You could get lynched......


  • #18
    Big Nasty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,080 ✭✭✭✭Big Nasty


    Is there specific dates / times this can be seen?


  • #19
    Nunu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,894 ✭✭✭Nunu


    TeaPot918 wrote: »
    Yup Starlink, just watched it myself, International space station will pass at 21:14 if ye want to go outside again

    Pure luck I read your post at 21:12. Just got a great look at it.


  • #20
    BarryD2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,732 ✭✭✭BarryD2


    touts wrote: »
    It is a satellite network Elon Musk is putting into orbit to provide global high speed broadband. Right now they have just over 200 satellites in orbit. They plan to put something like 27,000 in orbit in the next few years. What you saw tonight was just one train of around 60 satellites. By 2027 the night sky as we know it will be full of them. It will look like a net of moving stars covering the sky. I don't think people realise just how big a change this is going to be but Space-x can do it because no government really has control over it.

    Not April 1st yet, is it? Jaysus is all I can say, if that youtube video is real.


  • #21
    Wheety
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,512 ✭✭✭Wheety


    Nunu wrote: »
    Pure luck I read your post at 21:12. Just got a great look at it.

    Think I saw it. Looks like a really bright star but has flashing lights to the side?


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  • #22
    J_V_C
    Registered Users Posts: 91 ✭✭J_V_C


    The brother's a bit skeptical about the Space X explanation.
    It doesn't explain the configuration of what he believes was a convoy of some sort, nor the deviations in direction.


  • #23
    L1011
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 69,552 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    J_V_C wrote: »
    The brother's a bit skeptical about the Space X explanation.
    It doesn't explain the configuration of what he believes was a convoy of some sort, nor the deviations in direction.

    He can be sceptical all he wants; it wasn't 30 aircraft.


  • #24
    Hamsterchops
    Registered Users Posts: 3,278 ✭✭✭Hamsterchops


    touts wrote: »
    It is a satellite network Elon Musk is putting into orbit to provide global high speed broadband. Right now they have just over 200 satellites in orbit. They plan to put something like 27,000 in orbit in the next few years. What you saw tonight was just one train of around 60 satellites. By 2027 the night sky as we know it will be full of them. It will look like a net of moving stars covering the sky. I don't think people realise just how big a change this is going to be but Space-x can do it because no government really has control over it.

    Quite amazing,
    Like Wow!

    At the 1st post I wasn't sure if it was for real or not. Never seen anything like this before in reality.


  • #25
    MrMusician18
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,597 ✭✭✭MrMusician18


    This white elephant of Musk's is going to ruin the night sky and astronomy.


  • #26
    loveall
    Registered Users Posts: 130 ✭✭loveall


    www.findstarlink.com has the times visible in your area.


  • #27
    Stepping Stone
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 370 ✭✭Stepping Stone


    MrMusician18 wrote: »
    This white elephant of Musk's is going to ruin the night sky and astronomy.

    Throughly depressing thought. I really struggle to find any positives in him. Environmental vandalism is the only way to describe it.


  • #28
    dhaughton99
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,696 ✭✭✭dhaughton99


    Not scheduled for another 5 days over Ireland.


  • #29
    endacl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,354 ✭✭✭✭endacl


    Doyler92 wrote: »
    I googled it but still can’t really understand its purpose. Can anybody explain to somebody who knows nothing about aviation?
    Big bright shiny dots Elon Musk sent up into space to inflate his ego and balls up visual astronomy.


  • #30
    dhaughton99
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,696 ✭✭✭dhaughton99


    Doyler92 wrote: »
    I googled it but still can’t really understand its purpose. Can anybody explain to somebody who knows nothing about aviation?

    It’s space, not aviation. A trail of 60 plus small satellites which solar panels are reflecting the light you are seeing. They are bunched up together but will separate over time. They are supposed to be to able to supply internet access when fully setu.


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  • #31
    Big Nasty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,080 ✭✭✭✭Big Nasty


    dhaughton99 wrote: »
    Not scheduled for another 5 days over Ireland.

    Around what time?


  • #32
    loveall
    Registered Users Posts: 130 ✭✭loveall


    :rolleyes:

    www.findstarlink.com has times visible


  • #33
    JohnC.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,465 ✭✭✭JohnC.


    J_V_C wrote: »
    The brother's a bit skeptical about the Space X explanation.
    It doesn't explain the configuration of what he believes was a convoy of some sort, nor the deviations in direction.

    That's probably the batch that was only launched last week so they're only spreading out now.


  • #34
    plodder
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,402 ✭✭✭plodder


    GarIT wrote: »
    They are satellites being sent up to provide high speed broadband globally. These are the things making the national broadband plan irrelevant before they start work on it.
    I think it's probably a great competitor for existing wireless solutions, but it will never be as good as fibre which is what the NBP is providing.


  • #35
    TheBoyConor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,292 ✭✭✭TheBoyConor


    All well and good for providing broadband in remote locations but unless it is cheaper than wired networks then it isn't going to get much traction.

    Also, a government would be extremely foolish to just say "nah we won't bother with the NBP, sure elon musk and star link will hook us up." SpaceX might decide to can the project, they could go broke, them might make it crazy expensive, it might not be all it was cracked up to be. There are too many unknowns and risks. We should proceed with our own BB project using known proven technology and let Elon risk his billions on this experimental venture. If it works out, it'll be a good backup and can be used where wired BB isn't feasible.


  • #36
    Roadtoad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 775 ✭✭✭Roadtoad


    dhaughton99 wrote: »
    It’s space, not aviation. A trail of 60 plus small satellites which solar panels are reflecting the light you are seeing. They are bunched up together but will separate over time. They are supposed to be to able to supply internet access when fully setu.

    He could at least put a coat of black emulsion on the flippen things!


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  • #37
    dkd21
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 117 ✭✭dkd21


    Roadtoad wrote: »
    He could at least put a coat of black emulsion on the flippen things!

    I think they did do a black coating on one to test but haven't read about it since .


  • #38
    Xertz
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,069 ✭✭✭Xertz


    Given how these things look, I'd rather just pay for the fibre rollout.


  • #39
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,986 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    Xertz wrote: »
    Given how these things look, I'd rather just pay for the fibre rollout.

    Once deployed, you won't be able to see them with the naked eye. You can only see them now because they are in a lower orbit, on the way to to their final orbit deeper in space where they won't be visible anymore.

    Of course they will still be visible via Telescope.

    And they aren't really aimed at Ireland, they are aimed at the billions of people around the world without wired and in many cases even wireless internet access.

    Though it will likely end up showing the NBP to be horrible value for money. These could have delivered close to the same for a fraction of the cost of the NBP.


  • #40
    0lddog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,292 ✭✭✭0lddog


    A bit wide angle but might be of interest to some of you. This came into me today from an alert

    https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/308213-spacex-engine-failure-could-result-in-another-crewed-launch-delay


  • #41
    Dravokivich
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Politics Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 22,360 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dravokivich


    plodder wrote: »
    I think it's probably a great competitor for existing wireless solutions, but it will never be as good as fibre which is what the NBP is providing.

    From what od been looking at after seeing this. Its suggested it could be better than fiber. Depending on up link into the network itself.


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  • #42
    0lddog
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,292 ✭✭✭0lddog


    Dravokivich wrote: »
    From what od been looking at after seeing this. Its suggested it could be better than fiber. Depending on up link into the network itself.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giQ8xEWjnBs


  • #43
    danny004
    Registered Users Posts: 268 ✭✭danny004


    should you be able to see it again in an hour the starlink tracker says yes at least here in Cork


  • #44
    Mrcaramelchoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,795 ✭✭✭Mrcaramelchoc


    8:14 pm, 25 Mar 2020
    Starlink-2 OLD, BRIGHT (2.3) for 6 mins
    Look from WEST to SOUTHEAST (details)
    Elevation (from horizon): start: 10°, max: 61°, end: 26°





    8:50 pm, 26 Mar 2020


    Starlink-2 OLD, BRIGHT (3.6) for 5 mins
    Look from WEST to SOUTH (details)
    Elevation (from horizon): start: 10°, max: 28°, end: 27°





    so its tonight?30 mins or so?or am i reading it wrong?


  • #45
    roran
    Registered Users Posts: 94 ✭✭roran


    GarIT wrote: »
    They are satellites being sent up to provide high speed broadband globally. These are the things making the national broadband plan irrelevant before they start work on it.


    our lovely cloud-cover might just see how useful it will be for us!!:mad:


  • #46
    SlowBlowin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,891 ✭✭✭SlowBlowin


    No you will not see the train tonight, thats just a single dim satellite.

    The train is coming round next at 5:30am tomorrow.

    The best tool is https://www.heavens-above.com/


  • #47
    Calculator123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166 ✭✭Calculator123


    Just been out to watch the ISS. Just before it appeared, four reasonably bright objects appeared going in almost exactly the opposite direction. Incredibly fast. In sort of formation. Not a line. Almost like fighter jets but silent. Could these have been Star Link?

    I cannot ever remember seeing anything like it before. Thinking more about it I'm wondering was it ducks or geese in the twilight and the perspective/depth perception was such that it looked odd.


  • #48
    Mrcaramelchoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,795 ✭✭✭Mrcaramelchoc


    Calculator123 wrote: »
    Just been out to watch the ISS. Just before it appeared, four reasonably bright objects appeared going in almost exactly the opposite directly. Incredibly fast. In sort of formation. Not a line. Almost like fighter jets but silent. Could these have been Star Link?

    I cannot ever remember seeing anything like it before. Thinking more about it I'm wondering was is ducks or geese in the twilight and the perspective/depth perception was such that it looked odd.
    Where are you if you don't mind me asking?


  • #49
    Calculator123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166 ✭✭Calculator123


    Mrcaramelchoc wrote: »
    Where are you if you don't mind me asking?

    North Kildare near Maynooth


  • #50
    plodder
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,402 ✭✭✭plodder


    Dravokivich wrote: »
    From what od been looking at after seeing this. Its suggested it could be better than fiber. Depending on up link into the network itself.
    It's been suggested all right; doesn't mean it will be. Think of it this way. There is limited capacity of the air / ether whatever you want to call it to carry radio transmissions in any particular locality, between point A and point B. With fibre, when you run out of capacity on each .5 mm fibre strand, you can just run another one alongside it. There is no limit to the number of fibre strands you can run between A and B.

    These satellite systems are aimed at markets where fibre or any other kind of fixed broadband is uneconomic and always will be. That's why Amazon are building their own one. They see a billion+ potential customers in Africa and other under developed regions. They will probably have a role to play in developed countries too while/before fibre is deployed everywhere, which it will eventually. The old telephone network based on copper wires lasted around a hundred years, and is being replaced by fibre, which may well last the same amount of time imo.


  • #51
    danny004
    Registered Users Posts: 268 ✭✭danny004


    SlowBlowin wrote: »
    No you will not see the train tonight, thats just a single dim satellite.

    The train is coming round next at 5:30am tomorrow.

    The best tool is https://www.heavens-above.com/

    so how do you know if its the train or a single satellite as there are so many numbers after starlink like starlink -1202
    when will it come around again in the evening


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