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Rare Recording Made by European Satellite Shows the Visual Effect Caused by a High-Speed Starlink During Multispectral Imaging Process. Phenomenon Goes Viral and Sparks Debates About the New Generation of Satellites in Low Orbit.
A curious and visually striking image captured over Texas, United States, caught the attention of Reddit users and intrigued astrophysicists and enthusiasts of space observation. The recording was made on November 30, 2024, by the French observation satellite Pleiades Neo, operated by Airbus, and shows a high-speed object crossing the Earth’s atmosphere, with five colored shadows in sequence, a true “ghostly trail” floating above the ground.
According to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, it is very likely Starlink 31147, a V2 Mini version of SpaceX’s internet satellites, part of the orbital constellation that now has over 6,000 active satellites.
“This visual effect is typical of multispectral imaging. The target satellite moved so quickly relative to Pleiades that it was captured at different positions by each sensor of the electromagnetic spectrum,” McDowell explained in an interview with Space.com.
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How Was the Phenomenon Recorded?
The Pleiades Neo does not take a single snapshot like common cameras. Instead, it captures images in multiple spectral bands, such as near-infrared, red, blue, green, and a panchromatic image in gray tones. These bands are digitally combined in a process known as pansharpening, which generates high-resolution color images.
In this specific case, however, the object’s high speed, approximately 27,000 km/h, caused a lag between captures, resulting in five slightly displaced silhouettes, each with a distinct color. The final image seems to depict a “ghost” satellite replicating in space.
The color sequence follows the order of capture: black represents the infrared, followed by red, blue, green, and finally, the sharpest silhouette in gray. Technically speaking, this vividly demonstrates the temporal limitation of sensors against angularly accelerating orbital objects.
What Is the Starlink V2 Mini?
The V2 Mini model is SpaceX’s new bet to expand its global internet network. Unlike first-generation satellites, these devices feature two large side solar panels, reaching about 30 meters in wingspan, nearly double that of the V1.
Additionally, they offer improvements in data transmission capacity, greater autonomy and local processing power, as well as more robust systems to avoid space collisions, in accordance with updated requirements from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and ESA (European Space Agency).
According to the latest report from SpaceX released in April 2025, the Starlink constellation has already surpassed 2.6 million global users, with strong growth in Brazil, where the company already covers all regions of the Legal Amazon with internet services in public schools and remote health units.
Why Do These Satellites Intrigue So Much?
Starlink satellites operate in low Earth orbit, between 340 and 550 kilometers in altitude, which gives them a decisive advantage over traditional geostationary satellites that operate at around 36,000 kilometers. This proximity allows for low latency, ideal for applications that require quick response, such as telemedicine, live classes, online gaming, and military communications.
On the other hand, the presence of thousands of satellites in low orbit has raised concerns among astronomers and environmentalists. A recent article in Nature Astronomy warned that the trails left by constellations like Starlink could compromise the visibility of fundamental astronomical observations and interfere with scientific research.
“We are living in a new era of orbital light pollution. It’s a challenge that needs to be urgently regulated,” stated astrophysicist Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina in Canada.
An Hyperconnected Future, and Increasingly Monitored
The episode of the “ghostly” image is merely a visual symbol of the current moment: a planet that is literally becoming increasingly covered by satellites. In 2025, the race for global internet coverage via space does not involve only SpaceX. Amazon, with the Project Kuiper, and China, with its G60 StarNet and Hongyun networks, are also competing for orbital dominance.
In the meantime, the European Union plans to launch the IRIS² constellation starting in 2026, focusing on cybersecurity, strategic communication, and defense support. This new space era, marked by mass satellites, promises benefits for global connectivity—but also raises questions about data security, space debris, and global privacy.
Essas experiências nunca serão a favor em prol do bem ,isso eu tenho a certeza..
Boa materia.
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