Strange lights in the sky spotted over Southeast Michigan Thursday night

📍 Location

📝 Description

On the evening of Thursday, April 21, 2022, SE Michigan residents reported a straight line of bright white lights moving across the sky for several minutes, seen from Romulus to Grosse Pointe and even Lansing. The sightings were later identified as a Starlink satellite train launched by SpaceX, reflecting sunlight in twilight; the Starlink trains appear as a train of lights moving in formation across the sky. Some reports noted the phenomenon occurred during the period of the Lyrid meteor shower, which can add to confusion with meteors. The American Meteor Society logged hundreds of sightings (over 600) that night.

🔍 Circumstances

Observed shortly after dusk on Thursday, April 21, 2022, with multiple witnesses reporting a silent line of lights traveling from northwest to south. Sightings spanned southeast Michigan from Romulus through Grosse Pointe to Lansing. The event coincided with a SpaceX Starlink launch carrying dozens to hundreds of satellites.

👤 Physical Description

A straight, elongated line of bright white lights in the sky, appearing like a train or string of pearls, moving smoothly in formation across the sky. No sound reported.

ℹ️ Additional Details

Some outlets linked the sighting to Starlink satellites (SpaceX) and a Falcon 9 launch; the phenomenon has been discussed in multiple local outlets. The Starlink path was tracked by Findstarlink; Nature.com notes the satellites form a megaconstellation. The sighting occurred during the time frame of the Lyrid meteor shower, which can produce bright sky events.

🔗 Sources (6)

👥 Community Contributions

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