Residents across the Chinese mainland witnessed an unusual celestial display on January 6, 2026, as dozens of bright lights traversed the night sky in perfect formation. Social media platforms flooded with amateur footage showing the mysterious 'string of pearls' phenomenon, later confirmed by aerospace experts as SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation.
The synchronized light train, visible from multiple provinces between 6:45 PM and 7:15 PM local time, marked the latest deployment in SpaceX's ongoing mission to expand global internet coverage. Astrophysicist Dr. Li Wei explained: 'This particular cluster represents part of the Phase III orbital deployment. The visibility results from optimal solar reflection angles during their initial orbit insertion.'
While satellite sightings have become more frequent in recent years, Wednesday's event stood out for its extended visibility and formation precision. Local astronomy clubs reported record website traffic following the event, with many residents seeking information about satellite tracking and space technology developments.
The spectacle coincides with growing international interest in low-Earth orbit infrastructure, particularly in Asia where several countries are developing competing satellite networks. Business analysts note this event highlights both technological progress and the increasing visibility of private space ventures in daily life.
