Unlikely team uncover source of mysterious space lights seen in Queensland

Queensland residents have been baffled by mysterious orbs of light streaking across the night sky, below the planet Venus. The phenomenon has sparked online debate, with theories ranging from extraterrestrial activity to defense testing. Lisa Manteit, who has witnessed the lights from her home in Marian, west of Mackay, initially thought they were drones but later saw others post about them online.

Graham Moyle, a member of a Central Queensland astronomy group, has sought to investigate the source of these lights, finding evidence that they are likely caused by clusters of moving satellites. Moyle's theory has been supported by experts, including Philip Giacalone, a retired ex-NASA aerospace engineer based in California. Giacalone explained that the phenomenon occurs when satellites move in line with the Sun below the horizon, reflecting sunlight off their underside, creating a mirror-like effect.

An increasing number of satellite launches, with about 4,000 occurring annually, are contributing to the problem and causing confusion among observers. While some, like Ms. Manteit, remain unconvinced, astrophysicist Jonti Horner from the University of Queensland notes that the number of objects in space has tripled since 2020, with over 16,000 active satellites and 34,000 pieces of space junk tracked.

He warns that the increasing number of satellites, particularly Starlink's over 10,000, could make it harder to observe the Milky Way and stresses the need for more regulated space activities.