That Star is Moving: An Introduction to Satellite Spotting
In the depths of COVID times, when I was working from my bedroom for several months, I took on a few new hobbies to help keep my (relative) sanity in check. During the day I could watch birds, but the sun eventually set and the birds went to sleep. What to watch then? I looked up to the skies and saw familiar constellations and the fingernail of a crescent moon. And then moving west to east, I saw string of moving lights. Too constant to be shooting stars and moving fast, which stars don’t do, or shouldn’t unless we have serious astronomical problems, I took to Google for answers. A few keywords later, I discovered it was a recently launched Starlink train that looked like a shiny diamond necklace in the sky. I was immediately hooked and wanted to spot more and keep a record of all the satellites I spotted. And with all the extra time I had stuck at home, that’s exactly what I did. And 5 years later, it’s an important hobby that I still enjoy frequently.
There are many resources out there to time and track when satellites (and the ISS) are visible in the night sky, but I use the outstanding Heavens-Above app (there are others in your respective app store, so find one you like). Their web site has a live map, too, no purchase required.
Wait for a clear night sky, line up your app’s map, and look up. Depending on ambient light around you, you are bound to spot a few. And once you spot one, you won’t be able to stop.
Tips and Tricks:
- Ambient light makes a difference, although you can still see satellites close to the city. Wait for a new moon for higher spotting probability.
- Pay attention to the apparent magnitude of the satellite. The lower the number, the easier it will be to spot. I can spot most at 3 or below in my suburban neighborhood without binoculars.
- I love it when satellites blip into the earth’s shadow. One moment they are there, and then they vanish into darkness.
Keep looking up and have fun with your new cost-effective hobby!
Thrice asked and answered. Always efficient, I’ve starting writing about things at least 3 people have asked me about. I’m always happy to answer questions in the moment, but if several people in my life are curious, maybe you are too? I hope you at least found this interesting, and at best, enlightening.
