Starlink Satellite Launch Wows Puget Sound Stargazers

REDMOND, WA — A dazzling motorcade of lights paraded across Pacific Northwest skies Tuesday night, leaving many Puget Sound stargazers wondering, "What was that?" As it turns out, the temporary stars were the latest round of Starlink satellites — 60, to be exact.

SpaceX launched the satellites from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday afternoon, tipping its hat to "Star Wars Day," May 4. The latest payload joins more than 1,500 in forming a "satellite internet constellation" in low Earth orbit. Once complete, SpaceX intends to offer broadband services both in remote areas around the globe and in major cities. The bulk of development, research and manufacturing for the project takes place at SpaceX's Redmond facilities.

Thanks to the launch, Washingtonians looking to catch a glimpse of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower Tuesday night got a lot more than they bargained for. Videos posted on social media captured the view from Sumner up to the Canadian border.