Viewers spot Starlink Satellites over Piedmont

News 9 viewers reported seeing a line of lights moving across the sky in Piedmont on Thursday night, prompting speculation about unidentified flying objects. Here's what they really were.

Image Provided By: Braeden Smith

Despite their drone-like appearance, these lights are most likely Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX. The satellites often appear in a closely spaced formation shortly after launch, creating a visual effect sometimes described as a "string of pearls."

According to Starlink, this phenomenon is especially visible during the first few days after launch, when the satellites are still close together and reflecting sunlight or light. During this period, the satellites are often only visible during the first couple of days due to changes in the orientation of the solar panels and the addition of sunshades, which were implemented to reduce their brightness and impact on astronomical observations.

Image Provided By: Zachary Feeney