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Starlink satellite launch seems likely explanation for strange "string of lights" in northwest Ohio sky

WTOL 11 received over a dozen reports of a strange string of lights in the sky from across the area, from Stryker to Sylvania.

WTOL 11 received more than a dozen reports of a strange string of lights in the sky from across the area, from Stryker to Sylvania.

People say the string of lights was very long and very quickly disappeared.

Multiple pictures and images sent to the station all showed the same thing. A string of lights over the blackness of the sky extending from the upper right to lower left of the frame.

Sightings were reported all over the area from Sylvania, to Toledo, to Stryker to Bellevue.

The lights are similar to lights reported in the sky when SpaceX launches their Starlink satellites.

According to the SpaceX website, the company launched 55 Starlink satellites at 12:10 a.m. today into low earth orbit.

Credit: AP
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. The rocket is carrying 55 Starlink internet satellites. (Craig Bailey/Florida Today via AP)

Over the past few weeks, a suspected Chinese spy balloon, and subsequent reports by the United States government that they have shot down multiple unidentified flying objects in U.S. and Canadian airspace has had Americans on edge.

However, although unusual, the lights seem to have a rather benign explanation.

WTOL 11 reached out to the 180th Fighter Wing but has yet to receive a response.



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