New Bedford locals with their eyes to the sky were in awe on January 22, as a string of vertical lights marched across the heavens.

Facebook and Instagram lit up with photos and videos of the strange sighting, capturing what many quickly identified as Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink satellite network.

These satellites, designed to provide internet access to remote areas, have been a part of the night sky since their first launch on May 24, 2019. While it’s not new, witnessing the glowing "train" of lights still feels like a moment of wonder, especially in a city where light pollution often dims the "out of this world" experience.

Around 6:28 p.m., the Starlink satellites dazzled SouthCoast residents, visible for roughly five minutes as they soared across the New Bedford sky.

According to FindStarlink.com, the satellites were part of the Starlink-222 (G13-1) mission.

These 27 satellites had been launched just the day before, on January 21, 2025, at 10:02 PM EST, from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. This launch marked SpaceX's 400th successful landing of an orbital-class rocket – a major milestone for the company.

New Bedford Spots SpaceX Starlinks
Courtesy Matthew and Michael Barth/Canva
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For New Bedford residents, the sight was nothing short of mesmerizing, offering a glimpse into a revolutionary future of technological advancements. Two locals, Matthew and Michael Barth, found themselves fortunate to have seen the Starlink satellites perfectly visible from Durfee Street by Rua's West End Pizzeria.

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Here's the good news: If you missed this pass, don’t worry. Websites like FindStarlink.com and apps like Sky Guide can help you track the next appearance of Starlink satellites.

Who knows? The next time they brighten the skies, you could have the perfect spot to watch these "lights of the future" make their journey across space.

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