Correlations of Starlink Satellite Flaring with UAP Observations (AARO Information Paper)
- Date
- 2024-12
- Location
- Low Earth Orbit
- Agency
- AARO
- Release
- AARO (aaro.mil)
- Type
- document
Summary
This AARO information paper explains diffuse and specular ("glint") sunlight reflection from satellites in Low Earth Orbit, focusing on Starlink. It says there were "over 6,700 Starlink satellites in orbit" as of the end of November 2024 and gives observers a method to check whether a sighting may be satellite flaring. It concludes that "Both diffuse and specular reflection of sunlight from satellites can explain some of the UAP reports received by AARO."
Note
The filename carries a 04222025 date while the paper itself is dated December 2024. The paper disclaims any endorsement of the commercial entities it names.