SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has shared a never-before-seen photo of planet Earth. The image, posted on its platform X, shows a unique view of the Earth in radio frequency. The image has a mesmerizing pattern of black and gray lines with scattered white spots.
“What Earth looks like in radio frequency from the @Starlink directly to phone satellites,” the billionaire wrote.
What the Earth looks like on radio frequency from the@Starlinkdirectly to telephone satellites pic.twitter.com/HATVQIsLQT
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 10, 2024
Shortly after Musk shared the photo, the internet went into overdrive, reacting in awe at what the planet looked like on radio frequency.
“Just like clothing fabric, there are many threads intertwined,” one user commented.
Just like clothing fabric, many threads are interwoven.
— BEBE (@X_BEBEeth) May 10, 2024
Another user wrote: “a bunch of nobodies communicating back and forth.”
a bunch of nobodies communicating back and forth pic.twitter.com/TRNDpktMwS
— genitals (@degenit4ls) May 10, 2024
“Amazing,” read a third comment.
Astonishing ????
— THE CHELSEA FORUM (@TheChelseaForum) May 10, 2024
“Observing the Earth via Starlink satellites at radio frequencies reveals an image different from visible light. Urban areas show stronger signals, revealing weather patterns and natural phenomena,” said another comment
Observing Earth via Starlink satellites at radio frequencies reveals an image different from visible light. Urban areas show stronger signals, revealing weather patterns and natural phenomena.
— Shrek (@ShrekmemeSol) May 10, 2024
Meanwhile, many others said the Earth in the photo looked like the African continent.
One user said: “Earth is similar to Africa in radio frequency.”
The Earth resembles Africa in terms of radio frequency pic.twitter.com/kOUYw1qops
— SHOMITE (@Shomite) May 10, 2024
Another added: “I see the continent of Africa.”
I see the continent of Africa????
– ghada / ???????????????? (@ghadaal34658185) May 10, 2024
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation created by SpaceX, Musk's space company. Their goal is to provide high-speed internet access to 75 countries, including underserved and remote areas around the world.
Starlink sends thousands of small satellites into low Earth orbit, and they all work together to send Internet signals to Earth. These satellites communicate with ground stations and user terminals through special dishes installed in their homes or businesses.
The service has been rolled out in select regions and is continuously expanding coverage as more satellites are launched into orbit.
Starlink is on track to receive initial approvals to operate in India, reports say.