NASA astronaut captures dazzling view of Starlink satellite train over Earth |
A NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has captured a breathtaking video of a SpaceX Starlink satellite train gliding over Earth’s glowing auroras. The footage, filmed by veteran astronaut and amateur photographer Don Pettit, shows dozens of satellites reflecting sunlight as they streak across the atmosphere, appearing as bright as Jupiter against the green shimmer of the northern lights. Pettit shared the video on X (formerly Twitter) on October 7, 2025, sparking awe among skywatchers. The phenomenon highlights the growing visibility of SpaceX’s expanding satellite network and the stunning perspective astronauts witness from orbit.
Starlink satellites create a dazzling light show over Earth
Pettit’s video offers a rare glimpse of how SpaceX’s Starlink satellites can turn the night sky into a dazzling spectacle. The auroras, caused by charged solar particles colliding with atmospheric gases, formed a glowing green curtain beneath the satellites as they passed overhead. Pettit described the Starlink group as “very visible,” noting that many of them “flashed for one to ten seconds” and appeared nearly as bright as Jupiter. The visual effect created a surreal “celestial parade,” blending human-made technology with one of nature’s most beautiful light displays.
A mission of science and artistry
Known for his passion for space photography, Don Pettit has been documenting his orbital experiences for decades. His 220-day mission aboard the ISS concluded on April 20, 2025 — his 70th birthday — after which he began uploading a collection of previously unseen photos and videos. Pettit’s work blends scientific observation with visual storytelling, offering rare insights into the interplay of space technology, astronomy, and natural phenomena like auroras. His latest video stands as a striking example of how human-made objects are reshaping the night sky’s appearance.
Starlink’s growing presence in orbit
SpaceX’s Starlink constellation currently includes nearly 8,600 operational satellites, according to data from astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell. Designed to provide global broadband internet, the network has been expanding rapidly, with multiple launches every month. While Starlink has improved internet access in remote areas, its sheer scale has raised concerns among astronomers and environmental scientists. The satellites’ brightness can interfere with telescopic observations and long-exposure astrophotography, while their reentry may contribute trace metals to Earth’s atmosphere.
The bright and dark sides of progress
The dazzling scene captured by Pettit underscores both the marvel and the challenge of modern space activity. As private companies like SpaceX push technological frontiers, the night sky itself is being transformed into a shared space of innovation and debate. Pettit’s footage, at once beautiful and thought-provoking, reminds us that humanity’s presence in orbit is no longer limited to exploration — it is now visibly woven into the fabric of the heavens themselves.
