At a Glance
- A bright glow over Colorado was captured on video around 6 p.m. Sunday.
- Residents and social-media users initially mistook it for a plane, then speculated about extraterrestrials.
- Scientists and an astronomer explained the light as a SpaceX Starlink launch visible from the state.
Why it matters: The incident shows how spaceflight can impact everyday skywatching and fuels public interest in private launches.
On the evening of January 20, 2026, residents across Colorado were drawn to the night sky by a bright, slow-moving glow that sparked viral videos and online speculation. The object first appeared around 6 p.m. Sunday, moving steadily from west to east. Initially thought to be a plane, many wondered if the light was something more extraordinary.
The Mysterious Glow
The first footage came from Summit County resident Michael Walsh, who posted a clip to Facebook after noticing a bright object over Buffalo Mountain. He described it as “way brighter than a plane” and asked, “What is that?” Within minutes, the clip was shared widely, prompting a surge of similar videos from Silverthorne, South Park, and Cañon City.
Social Media Frenzy
Social-media platforms filled with theories ranging from a satellite launch to an alien spacecraft. Some users joked about extraterrestrials, while others posted screenshots of the light’s trajectory. The rapid spread of the videos created a sense of shared mystery among viewers.
SpaceX Connection
The explanation, however, was rooted in a private spaceflight. Earlier that evening, a SpaceX Starlink launch had taken off from California, and its ascent was visible over Colorado due to the rocket’s high altitude. The bright plume and trailing smoke ring matched the appearance of the glow captured in the videos.
Expert Insight
Astronomer Luke Huxley explained that the light’s brightness, movement, and direction aligned with the launch’s trajectory. He noted that rockets typically travel west to east to leverage Earth’s rotation and conserve fuel. Huxley also mentioned that many modern launches carry dozens of Starlink satellites, adding to the visible brightness.
What the Light Means
The incident highlighted how space launches can be visible to the public even far from launch sites. Huxley added that twilight is an ideal time for spotting rockets because the object remains illuminated by sunlight after the ground darkens. The event also sparked renewed interest in private spaceflight and its impact on everyday skywatching.
Timeline of Events
The following table summarizes key moments from the evening of the sighting.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 p.m. Sunday | Glow appears over Colorado | Various counties |
| 6:05 p.m. Sunday | Michael Walsh posts video | Summit County |
| 6:10 p.m. Sunday | CBS News reports spread | Nationwide |
| 6:20 p.m. Sunday | SpaceX launch from California | Launch site |
| 6:25 p.m. Sunday | Public identifies rocket | Colorado |
Key Takeaways
A bright glow over Colorado was traced back to a SpaceX Starlink launch, dispelling alien speculation. The event demonstrates how private launches can be observed from unexpected locations. Public interest in spaceflight continues to grow as more launches become visible to everyday skywatchers.
As private spaceflight becomes more common, skywatchers will likely encounter more unexpected lights in the night sky. The Colorado glow serves as a reminder that the sky is a shared canvas for both everyday life and cutting-edge technology.
