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Satellite ObservingIntroductionThere are several large, low orbit, satellites that can be observed from Earth using the naked eye. Satellite observation uses the reflection of the sun from the satellite down to the observer on earth - in the same way that the moon is bright at night time due to reflection of the sun's rays. So, to see a satellite easily from Earth, the sun must illuminate the spacecraft whilst the observer on the Earth must be in the dark. This means that you only have about 2 hours after sunset or before dawn when you can watch satellites passing overhead. Unless you're a really enthusiastic observer, the evening viewing period is normally the most useful! The other important requirement for satellite observation is to know precisely when a suitable spacecraft is going to pass directly overhead, and for this you need a prediction program such as our Satellite Tracking Map. Low orbit satellites move rapidly across the sky, appearing to move at about the same speed as a high flying aircraft. But of course they are really moving much faster than an aircraft but at a much higher altitude. Satellites can be distinguished from aircraft quite simply as they do not have flashing lights and they are silent. Sometimes satellites have even been mistaken for UFOs! A particular spacecraft to observe is the International Space Station (ISS) which is very large and so appears very bright in the sky. Unfortunately our University of Surrey satellites are too small to be seen without a telescope, but on our Satellite Tracking Map you can find the position predictions for ISS and several other large satellites. |
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