Discovering the Unexpected on Google Earth

If you dive into Google Earth, you're bound to stumble upon some bewildering sights. Whether it's remote islands or local landmarks, surprises await. Recently, however, a peculiar find has caught the attention of online explorers.

A Bizarre Sight in North Texas

Zoom in on rural North Texas, and what do you see? A satellite! This isn't just any satellite; it's captured in a remarkable image showing it five times over in an array of colors, hovering over a wildlife refuge about 60 miles north of Dallas.

How Fast Are Satellites Really Moving?

While satellites orbit at heights up to 40 times higher than a B-2 stealth bomber, they zip around at speeds approximately 30 times faster. With over 9,300 active satellites and thousands of pieces of space debris twirling around the Earth, it's mind-blowing compared to the mere 19 operational B-2 bombers in the Air Force.

What's That Satellite?

The satellite in question hasn't been officially identified, but it bears a striking resemblance to a SpaceX Starlink V2 Mini, measuring about 100 feet across with its solar panels. Given that there are more than 7,000 Starlink satellites in space, it seems plausible that this image might just show one of them.

A Date with Destiny: November 30, 2024

According to Google Earth data, this eye-catching image was snapped on November 30, 2024, by Airbus's Pleiades observation satellite. Interestingly, another user on Reddit speculated that it might also be a Chinese Earth-imaging satellite known as Ziyuan 3-02, which was in the area around the same time.

Why This Image Matters

The significance of this image is twofold. For one, despite the numerous satellites in orbit, it's rare to see a genuine photo—not just an artist’s rendition—of a satellite in its natural setting. SpaceX has shared images of their Starlink satellites during launches, but clear views of operational satellites are a rarity.

Also, as commercial companies launch more imaging satellites, we're beginning to see even more detailed views of what’s in space. Some companies have begun to repurpose Earth observation technology to spy on other satellites, which could have significant military and corporate implications.

Understanding Satellite Speed

This stunning Google Earth capture also illustrates how incomprehensibly fast satellites travel. They must maintain speeds exceeding 17,000 mph to avoid plummeting back to Earth. Unlike the smeared view of the B-2 bomber caused by its motion, the satellite presents a fascinating artifact on Google Earth: its five-color apparition.

The multiple colors capture different wavelengths: near-infrared, red, blue, green, and panchromatic. Airbus’s Pleiades satellites take these snapshots in quick succession, piecing them together to reflect what might be observable to the human eye. However, when an object is barreling past at nearly 5 miles per second, this technique yields unique and stunning results!

Your Turn to Explore!

Curious to see this ghostly satellite for yourself? Dive into Google Earth and unveil the mysteries awaiting you in the skies!