The Ultimate Guide to Observing Artificial Satellites

October 20, 2021

Have you ever noticed points of light drifting silently across the sky among the stars just after dusk or before dawn? If they didn't flash with blinking lights, they weren’t airplanes. You probably spotted a satellite or even the International Space Station (ISS). These manufactured objects don't emit light; they shine by reflecting sunlight, often off their large solar arrays.


Since the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, thousands of satellites have been placed into Earth's orbit. Today, the skies host a mix of active and inactive satellites, with new ones joining the fleet regularly. They range in size from tiny CubeSats that fit in your hand to massive structures like the ISS. As they trace their paths across the heavens, satellites appear to travel along invisible highways in orbit.


Many people don't realize that some satellites are visible to the naked eye. For instance, the International Space Station (ISS) can be seen without optical equipment when it passes overhead during twilight—just after sunset or before sunrise—illuminated by the Sun against the dark sky. SpaceX's Starlink satellites often appear as a "train" of bright dots shortly after launch, although newer models are equipped with anti-reflective coatings to reduce their brightness and minimize light pollution.


In this blog, we'll explore the fascinating world of natural and artificial satellites and share practical tips on how to view them. Whether you're curious about weather satellites, navigation systems like GPS, or scientific observatories orbiting Earth, you'll gain insight into their roles and how to spot them from your backyard.

Satellite News

  1. NASA's Pandora Mission
    NASA's Pandora small satellite mission is scheduled for launch in late 2025. It aims to observe 20 exoplanets, each up to 10 times, to more accurately evaluate their potential for habitability. Pandora will complement the James Webb Space Telescope by helping separate starlight from planetary signals, improving scientists' ability to assess whether distant planets might support life.
  2. Taiwan's Formosat-8 – Earth Observation Constellation
    Taiwan's Formosat-8 Earth observation constellation will begin deployment in October 2025. The first satellite, Formosat-8A (FS-8A), is scheduled to launch aboard SpaceX's Transporter-15 rideshare mission.
    Managed by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), the constellation will include:
    • Six satellites with ~1-meter resolution
    • Two satellites with sub-meter (50 cm) resolution
    These satellites are designed to deliver high-resolution optical imaging for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster response applications. Satellites in the Formosat 8 constellation are expected to be launched from 2025 through 2031.
  3. Blue Origin & AST SpaceMobile – Direct-to-Cell Satellite Network
    AST SpaceMobile plans to launch up to 60 next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites by 2026 as part of its space-based cellular broadband network. A portion of these launches will be carried out using Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, which can deploy up to eight satellites per mission due to its exceptionally large seven-meter fairing. These satellites connect directly to standard smartphones, delivering faster internet speeds and more bandwidth than earlier satellite models.
  4. Amazon's Project Kuiper & Vulcan Launches
    Amazon is making steady progress on its satellite internet initiative, Project Kuiper, reaching several key milestones in 2025. A major launch of 45 Kuiper satellites aboard a Vulcan Centaur rocket is scheduled for Q4 2025, marking the first of 38 Vulcan launches planned to deploy the full constellation.
    Earlier this year, Amazon successfully launched:
    • KA-01 in April and KA-02 in June, each carrying 27 satellites aboard ULA's Atlas V rockets.
    • KF-01 in July and KF-02 in August, carrying 24 satellites aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets.
    These four missions have placed 102 Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit, as Amazon works toward its goal of deploying 3,236 satellites to deliver global broadband coverage.

 

What's Orbiting Out There?

Natural Satellites
Technically, a satellite is any object that orbits a larger entity. There are natural satellites in space, such as asteroids and planets with their respective moons. Our own Moon, which orbits around Earth, is the perfect example of a natural satellite. The Earth is itself a satellite because it orbits around the Sun.

Artificial Satellites
Humans manufacture satellites on Earth and launch them into space to orbit Earth or other celestial bodies for specific purposes. These are known as artificial satellites. While many remain operational, others become defunct or obsolete, contributing to the growing issue of space debris, which includes fragments from launch vehicles and inactive satellites, collectively referred to as "space junk."


Some artificial satellites are visible from Earth as they traverse the night sky. These satellites support various functions, including satellite internet, telecommunications, weather monitoring, and secure military communications.

The International Space Station
Launched in 1998, the International Space Station is the largest manufactured object orbiting Earth. It's operated by a partnership of five space agencies—NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA, representing 15 countries. This modular, habitable satellite has been continuously occupied since 2000, marking over 25 years of human presence in space.


The ISS is vastly larger than the Mir Space Station, which orbited Earth from 1986 to 2001. In terms of volume and mass, the ISS dwarfs its predecessor.


Orbiting roughly 220 miles above Earth, the ISS travels 17,150 miles per hour, completing a full orbit every 90 minutes and witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets daily. During summer, it can remain sunlit all night long. Thanks to its large reflective solar panels, the ISS is the brightest object in Low Earth Orbit, often outshining Venus with a magnitude of -6, and occasionally reaching -8 under ideal conditions.


As it moves through Earth's shadow, the ISS can vanish suddenly during evening passes and reappear dramatically in the morning sky, making it a favorite among satellite observers.

Iridium Satellites
Not too long ago, the first-generation Iridium satellites were among the most popular objects to observe in the night sky. Their flat, polished antenna panels would reflect sunlight in a precise geometry, causing a brief but brilliant "flare" that could reach magnitude -8, brighter than Venus. These flares lasted just a few seconds, fading as the satellite continued its path across the sky, and often drew gasps of awe at star parties and public gatherings.
Sadly, Iridium flares are now a thing of the past. The original group of 66 satellites has been decommissioned and replaced by the Iridium NEXT constellation, whose design no longer produces flares. Still, for many skywatchers, they remain a cherished memory.

 

Starlink
One of Elon Musk's most ambitious ventures, Starlink is a SpaceX initiative to deploy a mega-constellation of up to 42,000 small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Its primary goal is to deliver high-speed broadband internet to underserved and remote regions worldwide, helping bridge the global digital divide.


As more Starlink satellites join the network, they've become increasingly visible from Earth, often appearing as a luminous "train" of dots moving in a straight line across the night sky after launch.


Starlink has sparked controversy. Astronomers and communities have voiced concerns that the growing number of satellites could alter the natural appearance of the night sky, interfere with scientific research, and leave streaks on long-exposure astroimages. These concerns have prompted calls for stricter regulation, international coordination, and satellite design improvements to reduce reflectivity and orbital clutter.

Other Notable Artificial Satellites
Here are a few more of our favorite artificial satellites that you can try spotting:

  • The Hubble Space Telescope can be seen with the naked eye shortly after sunset or before sunrise during ideal conditions.
  • China's Tiangong Space Station, the modular station launched in 2021, is visible in the evening or early morning, but is dimmer than ISS due to its smaller size.
  • SpaceX Dragon capsules can be visible during active missions.

Websites and Apps for Spotting Satellites

Numerous websites and mobile apps can help you plan your satellite spotting adventures. These tools let you select popular satellites and provide detailed viewing information—such as pass times, azimuth (direction), elevation (altitude), orbital path, and where the satellite will appear or disappear in the sky.

Recommended tools include: 

 

Orbital Paths Artificial Satellites

Most of today's operational satellites  are in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which spans approximately 160 to 2,000 kilometers (99 to 1,242 miles) above Earth. Satellites in LEO complete an orbit in roughly 90 minutes, traveling at speeds near 27,000 kilometers per hour (about 17,000 miles per hour). Notable examples in this region include the Hubble Space Telescope (~547 km or 340 miles altitude) and the International Space Station (~408 km or 254 miles altitude).


Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) lies between 2,000 and 35,786 kilometers (1,243 to 22,236 miles) above Earth. MEO satellites are fewer in number and are primarily used for global navigation systems such as GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China). These satellites often follow semi-synchronous orbits, providing consistent regional coverage.


Geostationary Orbit (GEO) is a specific type of Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) located exactly 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above Earth's equator. Satellites in GEO synchronize with Earth's rotation, making them appear motionless from the ground. This unique positioning allows them to provide uninterrupted coverage over specific regions, making them ideal for weather monitoring, television broadcasting, and global communications applications. 

 

Tips for Viewing Artificial Satellites

  1. Twilight is Prime Time
    The best time to observe satellites is during evening twilight, after sunset but before the sky is fully dark, and morning twilight, just before sunrise. During these windows, the observer is in darkness while satellites in LEO are still illuminated by the Sun.
  2. Avoid the Middle of the Night
    Satellites are generally not visible around midnight because they pass through Earth's shadow and cannot reflect sunlight. Exceptions include flaring satellites or those illuminated by moonlight, but these are rare.
  3. Plan Around Moon Phases
    A New Moon or crescent Moon phase offers darker skies, improving visibility. Avoid Full Moon nights, which wash out fainter satellites.
  4. Escape Light Pollution
    Your chances improve dramatically in dark-sky locations away from urban light pollution. For optimal visibility, allow your eyes 15–30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
  5. Comfort MattersUse a reclining chair or blanket to support your neck and back. Satellite watching often involves long periods of looking upward.
  6. Look for Motion
    Scan the sky with your naked eyes and watch for steady, non-blinking movement. Most satellites travel west to east, but polar-orbiting satellites may move north-south or vice versa.
  7. Binocular Boost
    Wide-angle binoculars (7x–8x) are ideal for tracking satellites once spotted. They offer a good balance of magnification and field of view.
  8. Telescopic Challenge
    Tracking satellites with a low-power, wide-field telescope is possible but difficult. Some observers have successfully seen the ISS's "T-shape" during favorable passes.
  9. Lunar Crossings
    Occasionally, satellites pass in front of the Moon, appearing as fleeting silhouettes. These events are rare but spectacular when they occur, especially if you're into astrophotography. For precise predictions of satellite transits, use tools like Sky & Telescope's Transit Finder, which offers location-based forecasts and real-time updates.
  10. Summer Visibility Myth
    Contrary to popular belief, Summer is not always the best time to view satellites. While satellites may stay sunlit longer due to Earth's tilt, Winter offers longer nights and better viewing windows. The best season depends on your latitude and the satellite's orbit.
  11. Laser Safety First
    Never aim a laser pointer at a moving object. Misusing lasers can be dangerous and illegal. Always follow local laws regarding laser use.
  12. Solar Safety Warning
    Never attempt to observe satellites transiting the Sun without certified solar filters. Looking at the Sun directly, even briefly, can cause permanent, irreversible eye damage.
  13. Join Satellite Spotting Communities
    Online communities like Cloudy Nights and Reddit's r/satellites offer timely tips, pass predictions, and shared photos. They're great places to learn faster and get inspired by others' observations.
  14. Satellite Marathons
    Challenge yourself to spot multiple satellites in one night. Some enthusiasts attempt "satellite marathons," logging dozens of sightings in a single session. It's a fun way to test your skills and endurance.
  15. Use Red Light for Night Vision
    If you need light while observing, use a red flashlight. It preserves your night vision better than white light, allowing your eyes to adapt to the dark.
  16. Record Your Observations
    Keep a logbook or digital journal of satellite sightings. Note the date, time, brightness, direction, and unique features. It's rewarding and helps you track patterns over time .

 

 

Spotting satellites adds a fun dimension to any stargazing experience, whether sharing the night sky with friends, family, an inquisitive crowd, or enjoying a quiet moment alone. The next time the International Space Station glides silently overhead, pause and reflect that bright, fast-moving "star" is no ordinary light. It's a triumph of human ingenuity, carrying astronauts who might be conducting groundbreaking research, or even floating outside on a spacewalk beneath the stars.


So grab your binoculars, settle in, and let your eyes wander. The sky isn't just a canvas of stars, planets, and deep-sky wonders; it's a silent superhighway of artificial satellites, each racing across the heavens with purpose and precision.

 Clear skies, and keep looking up!

 

Other articles you might be interested in: Ultimate Guide to Observing the Universe