Originally posted by karoly aczel
It is my understanding that you should be able to see them in the northern hemisphere as well. (doesn't joe live in the northern henisphere?)
Anyway there is definately a bit of luck involved , but when you see one , there can be no mistaking it.

Most of the low altitude satellites are in (near) equatorial orbits, so they are not seen where I live, at 57 degrees north. But there are still many of them to be seen.

Every hour of my observing time I see at least one satellite, often more. They are easily seen with naked eye. With telescope they are hard to spot and follow.

Originally posted by FabianFnas
Most of the low altitude satellites are in (near) equatorial orbits, so they are not seen where I live, at 57 degrees north. But there are still many of them to bee seen.

Every hour of my observing time I see at least one satellite, often more. They are easily seen with naked eye. With telescope they are hard to spot and follow.

I dont understand. You say they are not seen where you live but then you say every hour of your observing time you see at least one sattelite.Huh?

Originally posted by karoly aczel
I dont understand. You say they are not seen where you live but then you say every hour of your observing time you see at least one sattelite.Huh?

I say that the low altitude equatorial orbit satellites cannot be seen at 57 degrees north. But there are other orbits than low atitude orbits, and equatorial orbits. Some of them we can easily see. No paradox here.

Originally posted by Jigtie
I spend a lot of the year outside the city, so on a clear night I can see the sky filled with stars (quite
beautiful), especially in the winter time. But I don't think I've ever seen anything but the moon and
the stars with the naked eye.

Well, they tell me that this really bright looking star we have now is actually the international space
station, ...[text shortened]... Is that because
I live in the northern hemisphere? Don't low orbit satellites pass here?

They just look like a bright star moving. I live in Wyoming, but I would think as long as you get away from the city a little you should be able to see them. I see them with the naked eye.