It is possible to see a fairly fast moving light at night but is this a high flying aircraft (no flashing lights or engine noise) or is it the reflection of light from a satellite above the earth?
2006-07-17 23:53:26 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Yes. Seeing satellites with the naked eye is possible in most rural areas where light pollution is low. Most satellites are in geosynchronous orbits, and are difficult to see, since they appear stationary. The ones that you can see zipping across the sky are in low earth orbit (LEO) or medium earth orbit (MEO).
2006-07-18 12:52:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
If you live in a rural area where there is not much ambient light you can see satellites as they cross the sky. You can also see many more stars in the skies. However, for most people who live in Urban areas the ambient light from cities tends to washout the night sky leaving only the brightest objects visible to the naked eye.
2006-07-17 23:59:34 · answer #2 · answered by Bryan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I spend lots of time outdoors at night and have seen satellites on several occasions. The absence of noise and lights and the high speed is how you can tell it's a satellite.
2006-07-17 23:58:33 · answer #3 · answered by 4999_Basque 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question
I see them all the time, I like in a very rural part of England outside of london and there is a trick to seeing them.
My trick is to stare up at a particularly bright star that is un-surrounded by other stars and just wait...it won't be long before what looks like other stars start appearing and travelling across the sky quite quickly, these are satelites...
Fast moving planes are also visible, usually they move quicker and are different in charector, usually with flashing lights to make them clear to one another.
2006-07-18 00:33:33 · answer #4 · answered by Ichi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only a few satellites are visible with the naked eye or even aided with binoculars. But once you see a satellite pass at night, you might think it was a UFO or meteor (falling star).
2006-07-17 23:58:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it usually takes about 15 mins to spot one on a good night.
Look for a faint star which might be varying in brightness and takes a few mins to cross the sky.
2006-07-18 09:59:43 · answer #6 · answered by m.paley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can see the moon can't you?? The moon is a satellite. A satellite is merely an object that orbits another object. i.e. The moon around the earth.
2006-07-18 00:01:51 · answer #7 · answered by sneak_chamber 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Satellites can be seen if illuminated by the sun - provided you put yout glasses on!
2006-07-17 23:57:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can see satellites.
2006-07-17 23:56:30 · answer #9 · answered by Away With The Fairies 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on their size and proximity to the earth, yes you will be able to see them
2006-07-18 04:52:06 · answer #10 · answered by Paul B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋