Streak of lights identified as recently launched addition to StarLink satellite system

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on September 23, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

A mysterious flying object spotted over the region this weekend is no longer unidentified and nothing out of the ordinary.

Described by observers as almost resembling a glowing pencil, a bright line of light was seen in south Alberta skies on Friday evening. Astronomer and Eagle Butte Observatory Owner Rod DeVries explained however, the phenomenon was something many have seen before.

“What we were looking at was a StarLink satellite,” said DeVries. “It didn’t look like the usual spread out dots, of course, but that would be because it was a recent launch that hasn’t had time to spread out yet.”

While the new launch will eventually come to resemble the formation that residents are familiar with, says DeVries, the combined light visible Friday night offered a unique visage for those looking skyward.

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