Satellite Orbits?

[RT-Cat]

He's probably confusing Alaska with Indonesia.

Dish in Indonesia:
View attachment 95216

Man! Would that thing fill up with snow(crap) if it was in my yard for about 1/2 an hour!
This dam Winter is never going to end.....

 

[TNGTony]

International Space Station

 

[Tron]

I've watched ISS passovers many times. It is very easy to spot, as it is extremely large (and therefore reflects quite a bit of light).

 

[pwrsurge]

I've watched ISS passovers many times. It is very easy to spot, as it is extremely large (and therefore reflects quite a bit of light).

I imagine that it's not large enough to be visible to the naked eye and a telescope must be used.

 

[cyberham]

The reflection from ISS is as visible from Earth as Venus or Jupiter is at times with the naked eye. If not careful, you can confuse ISS with a planet.

 

[jorgek]

Many yeas ago the station flew directly over our house. There was no mistakening it. It was very bright and speed across the early morning sky. As a bonus one of the astronauts was a ham radio operator. I could hear him making contacts on my 2 meter radio. sadly I could not make contact. That would have been some QSL card.

 

[FaT Air]

Yep, have seen ISS* many times shortly after sun down. ISS is still in full sun as it passes.
Use the satellite tracking site ,of your choice, to 'time' a pass that may be visible.
*and many other unknown satellites.

 

[Tron]

I imagine that it's not large enough to be visible to the naked eye and a telescope must be used.

One can't make out any details with the naked eye, but as a point of light it is extremely easy to spot. I was quite surprised the first time I saw a flyover.

 

[migold]

Yes, it is quite bright, and its movement across the sky makes it very noticeable. It appears to move faster than an airplane flying high above.