how do i spot satelites in the sky?

[Raju]

i know this may not be intresting to you people when more beatyful things are floating about in the sky but i cant stop thinking how a satelite will look... ive got a 200mm telescope... would i be able to see it?

what are the conditions needed for me able to see a satelite?

thnks

[Truly55]

Satellites travel across the sky pretty quickly so I think you'd struggle to see them but there are plenty up there. With you having an iPhone 4 I presume you have the Star Walk App? That App shows up sats in your area so you can see them clearly. They usually just look like stars but travelling at aircraft speeds. If you can see stars you can see sats.

[Doc]

I doubt you will see any shape or structure in these, except for the ISS of course. Even smaller scopes show the shape of the ISS.

[Capricorn]

You will notsee detail on staellites, they are too small.

Easiest way to "spot" them is to stand outside with a set of binoculars round your nexk. Simply look up and around and eventually one will appear, then use the binoculars.

They do appear and disapper as they exit and enter the eartjs shadow. So can start there track from nowhere.

[MorningMajor]

Try this site - enter your location details and you#ll be able to find what's visible in they sky and when - includes all satellites and the ISS

[dweller25]

Also you can download stellarium for free - it will plot the satellites for you.

Satellites are best through eyes or low power binoculars as they move so fast.

[Ursa Major]

Its quite common ( for me atleast) to be looking at objects in the sky with my scope and suddenly a satallite goes shooting across the FOV. Its quite off putting and quite tempting to follow.

[Ronseal]

Last week I had an airliner go through my scope view, I could see the portholes!

[Ursa Major]

Last week I had an airliner go through my scope view, I could see the portholes!

Yes, i'd love to see that, especially if i was observing something bright like to moon so i could see the hot vapour trails disturb the atmosphere and consequently the image, and then watch as the turbulance settles back down.

[Gweedo]

I've seen a number of satellites moving through the FOV when I'm observing. It's quite a jolt and you think that the chances of it happening would be very small, but it's happened to me a number of times now.

[Manok101]

I have a related question, do any satellites have blinking lights on them or anything like that?