Expert: James Gort - 2/3/2007

Question
Dear sir,
Is it possible to see a satellite using our naked eyes. I recently saw an object in the sky in the south direction but could not come to a conclusion of it. So i assumed it as a satellite. Do satellites have lights as we can see in a airplane. And can we view the satellite using a telescope.
Thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Mohan,

Yes, you can see many satellites with your naked eyes.  None of them (to my knowledge) have exterior lights.  Although some, like the International Space Station, have interior lights and windows, those lights are not what makes them visible.  They shine by the sun's reflected light only.  In fact, you can sometimes see them seem to disappear when they enter the earth's shadow if their orbit around the earth.  I'll refer you to some excellent web sites for more information.  To observe the International Space Station, check out http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

A few others that may be of interest to you are http://www.satobs.org/observe.html http://www.hobbyspace.com/SatWatching/, and http://www.heavens-above.com/

In a telescope, a satellite usually looks like a fast-moving star.  If you're lucky enough to be able to track it with a telescope (this can be tricky), you might be able to make out some details.  Hope that helps.  Good luck on your observing.

Prof. James Gort