What is the Starlink train?

Right after a launch, a batch of Starlink satellites flies in a line, one behind the other, before each climbs to its working orbit. Lit by the Sun against a dark sky, the line looks like a string of moving stars: the Starlink train.

When is the best time to see it?

In the first few days after a launch, within an hour or two after sunset or before sunrise, when the satellites are still in sunlight but your sky is dark. Pick your city on this page for the exact times; a pass marked Visible is one you can see, weather permitting.

Why can't I see the train a few weeks after the launch?

The satellites raise their orbits and spread out along them, so the line breaks up and each satellite gets fainter. They also turn their solar panels edge-on to reflect less light. After about two weeks there is no train left to see.

Constellations

Starlink train tonight

The newest Starlink train is Starlink Group 15-25, launched 9 days ago from Vandenberg SFB with 27 satellites, by now spreading out. Pick your city to see when it passes over you; it shows best soon after sunset or before sunrise.

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launched 9 days ago · Vandenberg SFB

Starlink Group 15-25

27 satellites. Spread out and higher up: fainter, best from a dark place.

Show it on the globe

The next train

A new train forms with every Starlink launch. The next one is Starlink Group 15-15 on Falcon 9, 22 Oct, 22:51 UTC. It is easiest to see in the first days after.

Questions

What is the Starlink train?: Right after a launch, a batch of Starlink satellites flies in a line, one behind the other, before each climbs to its working orbit. Lit by the Sun against a dark sky, the line looks like a string of moving stars: the Starlink train.
When is the best time to see it?: In the first few days after a launch, within an hour or two after sunset or before sunrise, when the satellites are still in sunlight but your sky is dark. Pick your city on this page for the exact times; a pass marked Visible is one you can see, weather permitting.
Why can't I see the train a few weeks after the launch?: The satellites raise their orbits and spread out along them, so the line breaks up and each satellite gets fainter. They also turn their solar panels edge-on to reflect less light. After about two weeks there is no train left to see.

Passes are worked out in your browser from the satellites' latest published orbits (CelesTrak), for the first satellite of the line. New satellites change their orbits often, so times can drift by a minute or two after a few days. “Visible” means the satellites are lit by the Sun while your sky is dark.