Do You Need A Powerful Telescope To See A Satallite?

Question

Would I Be Able To See A satalite Or Something From My Bedroom (SouthCoast)
With A Normal Telescope?

Answer 1

sometimes you can see them with your naked eyes. You would need something powerful if you want to see any details, probably more powerful than anything you can get on the consumer market.

Answer 2

The brighter satellites, such as the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, can easily be seen with the naked eye. The Shuttle and the ISS look a lot like a moving bright star or airplane (except it doesn't blink!)

In general, it is _harder_ to see a satellite if you're using a telescope. The reason is that most satellites move across the sky at a pretty fast rate (the ISS takes about 2 to 5 minutes to cross from one side of the sky to the other.) That kind of speed is easy to track if you're just watching with your eyes, but it's very hard to move a telescope at just the right speed to keep the satellite in view. You'll have some better luck with low-power binoculars.

Try this website: http://www.heavens-above.com

If you indicate what city you live in, the heavens-above website can tell you exactly when to expect to see satellites.

Answer 3

There are many satellites that u should be able to see with the eye . Look to the west just after sun set , for the next 3 hours. The trick is the sun shines on the satellite and u are in the dark.

Answer 4

As long as you are not living in a city or large town you should be able to see satellites on any given clear night. The best time to begin seeing satellites is 1 hour after sunset. Up till 4 to 5 hours after sunset. Those are you best viewing times.
You don't need any optical equipment. Althought a set of binoculars help greatly once you figure them out.
My wife and I see satellites every time we go outside on a clear night. They are easy to spot. They look like a weak slow moving star. But the best one to view is the International Space Station (ISS).
Go to "heavens-above.com". That site will point you in the right direction and what times to watch. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Definitely. If you're in a relatively clear area, away from city lights, you can usually see 10 or 12 satellites within an hour. And, if you find out when the ISS/Space Shuttle is flying over, you can REALLY see it.

Answer 6

you could definately see one with a regular telescope. u can even see some of them with just ur eyes

Answer 7

i would think not because you will need a powerful telescope to see through the atmosphere. but if you have a powerful telescope then you will be able to see a satalite.

Answer 8

You can see satellites with your naked eye on a clear night with little ambient light.