In an unexpected twist of digital sleuthing, a Reddit user recently stumbled upon a curious sight while casually exploring Google Maps’ satellite imagery. The user, browsing the map’s satellite image layer, discovered what appears to be a fast-moving satellite streaking across the skies above northern Texas — and speculation is swirling that it might be a Starlink satellite from Elon Musk’s SpaceX fleet.

Figure 1. Google Maps.

According to details visible in Google Earth, the image was taken on November 30 by an Airbus satellite, which captured a striking afterimage of the object in motion — red, green, and blue streaks — the result of how satellite sensors process imagery using RGB color bands. Figure 1 shows Google Maps.

What’s fueling the buzz? The object’s design. Experts and amateur analysts point to the presence of dual solar panel arrays, a hallmark of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites [1]. These low-Earth orbit satellites travel at dizzying speeds of around 17,000 mph, and while they’re difficult to spot, they do occasionally get captured in high-resolution satellite photography — albeit rarely.

This isn’t the first time a Starlink satellite has been unexpectedly caught on camera. In August of last year, BlackSky snapped a clear shot of a Starlink V2 mini satellite flying over the Pacific Ocean near Alaska, further proving these high-tech crafts aren’t always as invisible as we think.

Still, there’s room for doubt. While some believe the satellite is definitely part of Starlink’s growing constellation, others, including one satellite expert, suggest it could be a Chinese satellite, possibly the Ziyuan-3-2, which also shares visual similarities and orbits at comparable altitudes.

Interestingly, another Reddit user came forward with more data showing the satellite passed over the same region on the exact date. The consistency only adds fuel to the mystery.

As of now, SpaceX has not responded to requests for comment, and Google, Airbus, and Maxar Intelligence have remained silent as well. But the question remains: Are we beginning to see more Starlink satellites unintentionally featured in satellite imagery? And if so, what does this mean for the future of Earth observation and commercial satellite networks?

One thing’s for sure — this unexpected find has sparked fascination across the online space and astronomy communities. With satellite constellations like Starlink continuing to grow, moments like these may become more common. Until then, we’ll be keeping an eye on the skies — and our maps.

References:

1. https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2025/04/google-maps-user-spots-mysterious.html

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), Google Maps User Spots Mysterious Satellite Zooming Over Texas, possibly a Starlink Satellite, AnaTechMaz, pp.262