Stargazers across Andover will be kept entertained during coronavirus lockdown, thanks to regular visits from SpaceX’s fleet of Starlink satellites.

Those gazing up at the sky tonight, might have caught a glimpse of a striking string of satellites travelling in unison.

Parts of Europe can see a parade of Elon Musk's Starlink satellites crossing the sky tonight. First pass was 45 minutes ago. Another 45 minutes from now. Here's video of the first from Kosovo: pic.twitter.com/SO9nGqranT — Jacy Reese (@jacyreese) April 19, 2020

The satellites are part of a scheme by American tech entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, launched with the aim of improving global internet coverage in rural areas.

And residents will be able to see them until April 24.

Residents in North Hampshire reported seeing groups of the satellites over the sky on Sunday night, and one space expert has said similar events are likely in the days and weeks ahead.

First time seeing so many moving satellites in my life #Starlink #SpaceX #ElonMusk (This photo is the best I can do with my iPhone🤷🏻‍♀️) pic.twitter.com/51V5qTZR7P — Rita Law (@ritalaw) April 19, 2020

Space journalist Jonathan O'Callaghan said the sightings would continue in the short term as new satellites were regularly launched.

"Starlink is a large group of satellites known as a mega constellation, being launched into space by Elon Musk's US company SpaceX," he said.

"The satellites are designed to beam internet coverage to the ground from space, with the goal of providing global high-speed internet at any location on Earth.

"So far the company has launched 360 of 12,000 satellites planned in the next few years, and possibly up to 42,000 in the future.

"The satellites are launched in batches of 60 into low orbits, where they appear as a bright train of lights in the night sky, as seen from the UK the other day.

"Gradually the orbits are raised over several months, and the satellites become fainter.

"They will regularly be visible from the UK for the foreseeable future, and more frequently as more and more of them are launched.

"You can use websites like findstarlink.com to track them."

The satellites have been deliberately designed to be light and compact so that they can be launched in large batches.

Mr O'Callaghan added that despite the interest from some quarters, others had raised concerns about congestion in the skies and the impact of the satellites on activities such as astronomy.

According to the Starlink website, the programme hopes to have enough satellites in orbit to provide coverage to North America this year, before expanding to "near-global coverage" of the populated world by 2021.

When should I start looking?

This website tells you the best time to start looking for them.

While this website gives you a live display of when the satellites are due to fly ahead.