Correlations of Starlink Satellite Flaring with UAP Observations

All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO)
16
Sighting Parameters: Sighting Azimuth Sighting Elevation
~63.3° ~5.7°
The specific azimuth and elevations of the sighting were not given, but the pilot does state that the
UAP was to the “left of the constellation Leo.” Therefore, it is possible to approximate the sighting
parameters by determining the Leo constellation’s location at the given day and time when viewed
from the effective observation location, O2. Figure 16 below was generated using the planetarium
view on the website https://in-the-sky.org/satmap_planetarium.php?. Noted in the image is
information on several stars that provide a reference for estimating the sighting azimuth and
elevation location “left of the constellation Leo.” Also shown are numerous Starlink satellites that
were present in the sky during this time. The red satellites are estimated to be flaring per this
website. The red arrows were added to the image by the author to show the direction of motion for
several of the Starlink satellites. Note their crossing directions, which are consistent with the pilot’s
report of “multiple lights moving in different directions.” The azimuth and elevation of the stars
was determined using the website https://theskylive.com/planetarium?.
The estimated area of the sky the pilot likely referenced is circled by a white, dashed oval shape
and the approximate center of this area is provided in the image. Using this estimate, it is possible
to determine the sighting parameters required in Table 4. Comparing these to the expected location
of the Starlink flare window for this date, time, and location (given by the Sun’s azimuth and look
angle in the table), it is seen that these are very comparable. Consequently, the anomalous lights
reported by the pilot are very likely Starlink and other satellite flares.
Figure 16: Graphic of predicted night sky as seen from an observer at location O2. Generated
using reference [18].