Why Dont We See Satellites Orbiting the Earth? A Deeper Dive
Why Don't We See Satellites Orbiting the Earth? A Deeper Dive
The fact that we can observe satellites, such as the International Space Station (ISS), either visually or with instruments orbiting around the Earth pretty much demonstrates that the Earth isn’t flat. This is a stark reality for both casual observers and serious enthusiasts in the world of astronomy and space exploration.
Observing Satellites: A Common but Often Overlooked Phenomenon
Have you ever seen a satellite pass by? It’s not as rare as you might think, especially if you know what to look for. Satellites appear in the night sky as faint, fast-moving points of light against a relatively dark canvas. Here are some common sights:
Passing time stargazing and noticing a relatively fast-moving dim pinprick of light traveling from one horizon to the other.
Seeing an unusually bright moving light in the night sky, which might be an Iridium flare. This is a sudden, bright reflection on the surface of an Iridium satellite as it passes through sunlight.
Discovering a 'string of pearls' or a formation of Starlink satellites making a straight line in the sky. Starlink launches large numbers of satellites to provide internet coverage, often visible in groups.
These sights indicate that we do, indeed, see satellites orbiting the Earth, and you might have even seen one without realizing it. With the right conditions and a little patience, you can witness these beautiful celestial phenomena.
Using Tools to Track Satellites
There are several apps and online sites that can help you spot these satellites. Some popular apps include:
Sky-Safari: A tool for astronomy enthusiasts that shows the positions and movements of stars, planets, and satellites.
Heavens-Above: Provides satellite passes, meteor showers, and other astronomical events.
Star Walk 2: A comprehensive astronomy app that can help you identify and track satellites and other celestial objects.
By using these tools, you can plan your observations and increase your chances of seeing a satellite. Simply enter your location and the app will show you when and where to look for various satellites passing through your sky.
The Optimal Conditions for Satellite Observation
There are specific conditions that make satellite observation more favorable:
Nighttime Observation: Satellites are most visible in the night sky. Look for satellites about an hour after sunset or an hour before sunrise. As the Earth spins, these objects appear to move from west to east across the sky.
No Moonlight: Observing on a moonless night increases the visibility of satellites, making them easier to spot.
Clear Skies: A clear and unobstructed view of the sky is essential for spotting satellites.
Daytime visibility of satellites is much more challenging, but it’s possible with precision predictions and a well-aligned telescope. Some satellites, such as Iridium flares and the International Space Station, can be seen even during the day, but these instances are less frequent.
Personal Experiences and Stories
The author has a rich history of personal satellite observations, inspired by notable events:
The first artificial satellite the author ever saw was Sputnik 1 or its orbital insertion rocket. This was observed in Madison, Wisconsin.
Years later, the author was in Knoxville, Tennessee, where the much brighter Echo 1 was visible. Over the years, several Iridium flares and the International Space Station have also been spotted.
One memorable morning in Pacific Grove, California, the author observed a satellite moving overhead, mistaken for an airplane. The experience combined with the magical view of the Milky Way and the approaching dawn made for a truly unforgettable astronomy moment.
The reason many people don’t see satellites in orbit is simply that they aren’t actively looking. With the right tools and conditions, it is certainly possible to witness these remarkable celestial objects.