Now I See It - Now I Don't

[bim]

Can you see satellites from the ground? When I look at night in the line of sight of my dish I can see what looks like a star but it twinkles with colours. Now I spend more time outdoors at night than watching the telly!! Or perhaps it's a UFO thinking I wont land there - no reception!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Channel Hopper]

There are plenty of 'satellites' than can be seen, but the vast majority are low orbit pieces of metal and will therefore appear to move in relation to the stars.

If what you can see (without the aid of a telescope) is fixed in space then it is almost certainly not within the orbit of earth.

http://www.noao.edu/outreach/press/pr01/pr0106.html

 

[Analoguesat]

You can see loads of man made satellites on any dark night for a couple of hours after sunset. They move slowly across the sky like a distant aircraft.
The easiest one to see is the International Space Station which can get very bright indeed on a good pass.

Usaing a website like heavens-above.com you can identify what the satellites are you see

(Free registration required)

 

[hexah]

It may be cold at night but the skies can be exceptionally clear over winter.

 

[bim]

Thanks Guys
Will definately be going on the web site now it has started to arouse my interest. Can't see them tonight - thick fog but last night could easily see four with the naked eye ( and they ain't that good!) good view of the milkyway also.

 

[Analoguesat]

Theres a whole new hobby in spotting satellites - sign up & make sure you set your location accurately, or you will get dud info!

Keep an eye on the Iridium flares listings - those are REALLY impressive if you get a -7 or -8 magnitude one going over!

 

[skomedal]

My preference site is "" Stellarium "" also freebie with a whole load of options including your site location and satellite hints.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

That stellarium software is really nice , i have it on this laptop for when i'm sniffing the heavens with my scope.

 

[Lazarus]

I love euphemisms, me.

 

[Piltdownpaul]

I know you do and i knew you would answer to that post!!