What were they?

[Azure]

At about 9 to 10pm (an hour or so ago) I was casually observing a patch of sky just under Leo when I saw a fast moving dot of light cross my FOV. I was using a 20mm eyepiece in my 130EQ and the dot crossed it in just over a couple of seconds. Slightly startled by this, I managed followed the dot of light for a few seconds before looking up to see if I could see it with my naked eye. But I couldn't see anything moving. When I looked back into the eyepiece I couldn't find it again.

About 10 minutes later I was looking in a different location when I saw a dot again, but this time I lost it before I could track it.

The dots of light were quite small and not very bright, and moved very quickly. I couldn't see a trail behind them or any fluctuations in their light, but I didn't get to see them for very long. Were they satellites or something?

- AZ

[Tiddles]

Yep, most likely satellites. Check Heavens above for sightings from your location.

[valleyman]

Satallites, there are 1000's up there

Enjoy

[sanmatt]

I love it when I see a satellite by accident, It gives me an enourmous smile, and I cant help but wonder if anyone else saw it or just me?

[Ant]

It is quite odd when a bright one goes through.. a few over the years has really made me jump

Imagine something like the ISS going through the FOV

Ant

[MikeWilson]

That YouTube link is incredible. All those satellites look like a thousand flies buzzing around a little ball of poo.

If I'm observing visually with my astro group, I often see satellites flying through the field of view. I don't think it's the same one that others are seeing at the same time (unless they're looking at the same object in the sky? M42 anyone?). I wonder how wide a path the reflected light cuts across the ground. A few miles perhaps?

[Islander]

I've had a meteor flash through the eyepiece and that really does make you jump

[Tinker1947]

There are more satellites than you have had hot dinners, my highlight this week while viewing M51, one Sat went one way, another went the other way and a meteor went down the middle all in the FOV at the same time...awesome...

[Azure]

Wow, I honestly never knew there were that many! Thanks for the vid link

I've only seen one meteor, and it scared the jeebies out of me! I just love how the night sky always has a surprise up it's sleeve! You never really know what you'll see

- AZ

[Islander]

There are more satellites than you have had hot dinners, my highlight this week while viewing M51, one Sat went one way, another went the other way and a meteor went down the middle all in the FOV at the same time...awesome...

I bet that made you twitch

[sanmatt]

There are more satellites than you have had hot dinners, my highlight this week while viewing M51, one Sat went one way, another went the other way and a meteor went down the middle all in the FOV at the same time...awesome...

Oh how awesome!!

I find myself looking more and more for sats these days, I love seeing them.