{"id":2675,"date":"2024-11-28T23:00:34","date_gmt":"2024-11-28T23:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/?p=2675"},"modified":"2024-11-28T23:00:36","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T23:00:36","slug":"starlink-in-birmingham-a-mysterious-strip-of-lights-in-the-sky-or-the-lyrid-meteor-shower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/eternal-2675-starlink-in-birmingham-a-mysterious-strip-of-lights-in-the-sky-or-the-lyrid-meteor-shower","title":{"rendered":"Starlink in Birmingham. A mysterious strip of lights in the sky or the Lyrid meteor shower"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The story about the appearance of Starlink in Birmingham began one spring night in 2020 when many city residents saw a mysterious strip of lights in the sky. There were plenty of opinions and versions on its origin. Some thought that it was shooting stars or a whole column of aeroplanes in the night sky. In fact, everything turned out to be even more unexpected. The lights were satellites launched by Elon Musk&#8217;s company SpaceX. Learn more about it at <a href=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\">birmingham-future.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ff575e3d0b0\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ff575e3d0b0\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/eternal-2675-starlink-in-birmingham-a-mysterious-strip-of-lights-in-the-sky-or-the-lyrid-meteor-shower\/#Lyrid_meteor_shower\" title=\"Lyrid meteor shower\">Lyrid meteor shower<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/eternal-2675-starlink-in-birmingham-a-mysterious-strip-of-lights-in-the-sky-or-the-lyrid-meteor-shower\/#Mega_constellation\" title=\"Mega constellation\">Mega constellation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/eternal-2675-starlink-in-birmingham-a-mysterious-strip-of-lights-in-the-sky-or-the-lyrid-meteor-shower\/#Revolutionary_Internet\" title=\"Revolutionary Internet\">Revolutionary Internet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/eternal-2675-starlink-in-birmingham-a-mysterious-strip-of-lights-in-the-sky-or-the-lyrid-meteor-shower\/#Speeds_you_cant_help_but_love\" title=\"Speeds you can\u2019t help but love\">Speeds you can\u2019t help but love<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lyrid_meteor_shower\"><\/span>Lyrid meteor shower<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2024\/10\/1_ad_4nxc9ix2ezx-r4dm7rgjtun2ws1wnfcenu1oao5pdyjmgixrije4efwngnyzw3k_bo_smby7ih7tgrty0jdscu1n5vv9zmhatl3ef_b4ylsrpx4u9smaocsuvwjnugchfpb_ijknovhuvzsawclo_bwrt33a2keywzu-gztacun6k5r9zzgona.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Confused Brummies expressed their great surprise after the night with a series of mysterious lights in the sky. The explanations varied from the standard one-line shooting stars to a column of planes because of the lockdown in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The strange phenomenon continued into the following week. It mostly occurred late at night or early in the morning. The sight was impossible to miss. Moreover, residents of Birmingham and the whole of West Midlands reported that they enjoyed the free show. For example, one of the witnesses posted a video on social networks assuming it was the Lyrid meteor shower and only after reading many articles on the network did she realise that it was the Starlink satellite constellation. At the same time, the woman urged residents of the city to keep their eyes open and watch the lights next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, people started to post the schedule of the lights passing over Birmingham and other cities in the UK on social networks. As it became known, the time of the satellites\u2019 flight over different cities didn\u2019t differ significantly, only a few minutes. To find out the time when the satellite constellation could be seen in your city, you had to enter your location on a site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, the \u201cdirector\u201d of the show enabled tracking the movement of lights using the Starlink programme. It automatically calculated when the SpaceX satellite was expected to pass over your current location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mega_constellation\"><\/span>Mega constellation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2024\/10\/1_ad_4nxdk-lj6o33_z-k0z3cd9y-glnxyntou2p_4zd7zfbowpd3rokjcgwab-mxy77ki1gwrq378a_uz4rfzx8hv-8vnssdszmr4vqw2qilzr3rvn42thwi7jh16dnx7cfwfhj0f-b-kxokl-5waccenwjz8gxckeywzu-gztacun6k5r9zzgona.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, as it turned out, those lights were the last series of satellites launched by the American entrepreneur Elon Musk\u2019s SpaceX company. SpaceX has been launching satellites since May 2019 and that column of lights became a relatively common sight in the skies over the UK over the next few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The satellites were part of the entrepreneur\u2019s plan to improve global <a href=\"https:\/\/montreal-future.com\/uk\/eternal-forum-z-upravlinnya-internetom-u-kvebeku-zaklyk-do-majbutnogo-internetu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Internet<\/a> coverage. At that time, the company had already launched more than 300 satellites from the 12,000 planned. That was just the first batch and in the future, the number of such satellites was to grow to 42,000. So, once the plans are fully implemented, the network, known as a mega constellation, will be able to transmit Internet coverage to any place on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SpaceX\u2019s idea was to provide the most remote places around the world with low-frequency Internet. The US Federal Communications Commission has granted the company permission to fly these 12,000 satellites as part of the project. As a result, Starlink satellites were visible over the UK until April 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When everything was sorted out, the Birmingham provider began to conduct outreach work among its customers who had many questions. For example, whether Starlink would work in the UK in general and Birmingham in particular or what were its benefits and how much these services would cost. Starlink has been available in the UK since 2021, covering almost the entire territory, with the exception of the northernmost parts of Scotland. However, according to the Starlink UK Internet coverage map on the provider\u2019s website, the entire country was covered in early 2023. Interested users could check the map to find out whether their location was included in the coverage area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Revolutionary_Internet\"><\/span>Revolutionary Internet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2024\/10\/1_ad_4nxfg94zfqmwarqhz00ahzxu2dt-n0ckfjpf28rug3epw1p7ibntycggj2ub_dgilzpfnu1ag84b6oinkzgozdajxefcmm3zhlznnsy3u-ivjkudcpl3nmxefxyfpu_zc4caqiuwksczjdykjwkfm-vmopljgkeywzu-gztacun6k5r9zzgona.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s how Starlink officially arrived in Birmingham, bringing what the provider claimed was the Internet revolution. They were calling to give up slow speeds and poor network connections for Starlink, a game-changer. With its cutting-edge satellite technology, Starlink promised to deliver fast and reliable Internet, even in the most remote areas of Birmingham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What really sets Starlink apart from other Internet providers? For starters, Starlink boasts speeds of up to 150Mbps, making it one of the fastest options on the market. In addition, its low latency ensures smooth streaming, so gaming and video calls are free from annoying pauses and delays. Another great thing about Starlink is its easy installation, which means no digging or complicated setup is required. It was very easy for residents of Birmingham to get Starlink working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The company also offered a short installation expectation period that could vary depending on demand and availability. Typically, when a person orders a Starlink kit, they can expect to receive it within a few weeks and have it installed shortly after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the provider, Starlink&#8217;s main benefits are its reliability, Internet speed and quality. Many residents of Birmingham had long dreamed of saying goodbye to dropped calls during video meetings, endless loading of their favourite shows and annoying lag when playing online games. Starlink has offered and continues to offer all Birmingham residents uninterrupted online access, ensuring stable connection in any location in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Speeds_you_cant_help_but_love\"><\/span>Speeds you can\u2019t help but love<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/61\/2024\/10\/1_ad_4nxfc5frseuanwp-cfuwhokdue6mtq__wn3oibs4mveondc3c2e5my344tbd2ituel0rspnhxab85kovwdcklcyk1eqghvvkd3jajtr6yxeypmdndvgx8b4higfpzpsfhidq2waii0steymjiw6y0clp1vbsgkeywzu-gztacun6k5r9zzgona.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>According to nearly 500 tests conducted by ThinkBroadband between March 2022 and August 2022 in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England, the average download speed of Starlink Internet in the UK is 106.1 Mbps and the average upload speed is 9.72 Mbps. This is a great option for those looking for a faster Internet. In addition, with a simple installation process and user-friendly interface, Starlink is very easy to set up in your home or business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, compared to other satellite Internet providers, Starlink offers Birmingham residents unlimited access, while competitors have limited bandwidth and significantly slower speeds. Even though Starlink equipment is quite expensive, it\u2019s a one-time fee for the entire service period, while competitors charge a monthly subscription prices. Additionally, HughesNet and Viasat require a 24-month commitment, while Starlink offers a 30-day trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only downside to Starlink back then was that it didn\u2019t have enough global coverage and a long waiting period to process a new order. At the time, 750,000 prospective customers were waiting in line for its services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The story about the appearance of Starlink in Birmingham began one spring night in 2020 when many city residents saw a mysterious strip of lights in the sky. There were plenty of opinions and versions on its origin. Some thought that it was shooting stars or a whole column of aeroplanes in the night sky. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":338,"featured_media":2608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1115],"tags":[2025,2021,2018,2027,2016,2015,2017,2014,2013,2026,2019,2022,2020,2023,2024],"motype":[1121],"moformat":[18],"moimportance":[30,33],"class_list":{"0":"post-2675","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-it-sphere","8":"tag-artificial-satellite-illumination","9":"tag-astronomical-events-birmingham","10":"tag-celestial-events-calendar","11":"tag-light-pollution-effects","12":"tag-lyrid-meteor-shower-birmingham","13":"tag-meteor-shower-peak-dates","14":"tag-meteor-shower-radiant-point","15":"tag-meteor-shower-viewing-tips","16":"tag-mysterious-lights-in-sky","17":"tag-night-sky-phenomena","18":"tag-satellite-constellation-observation","19":"tag-satellite-tracking-tools","20":"tag-satellite-visibility-schedule","21":"tag-spacex-satellite-train","22":"tag-starlink-satellite-sightings-birmingham","23":"motype-eternal","24":"moformat-vlasna","25":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","26":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2675","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/338"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2675"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2676,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2675\/revisions\/2676"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2675"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2675"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2675"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2675"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/birmingham-future.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}