satellites in space

[jane1098]

when i'm outside at night i sometimes see satellites moving across the sky.
am i right in saying they are satellites?
if so, my other half doesn't understand why the satellites are as bright as some stars.
any ideas on this subject people?
TIA jane

[squarebear]

Because the sun's light is reflecting off them. That's why the moon shines too.

[jane1098]

thanks squarebear.

[Richard1966]

While they are small (from small car sized to bus size) they are relitivly close, 150 miles on average and the solar panels are spread out even further and are polished like mirrors. This means that when they catch the sun at the right angle, they are very visible

[mibn2cweus]

Satellites are most frequently spotted in the darkening twilight among the first stars following sunset or preceding sunrise since this is the time when their reflected sunlight can best be seen in contrast against the darkness of night before they also fall within the Earth�s shadow.

Iridium Flares are among the brightest reflectors of early evening and predawn sunlight. The brief flashes of reflected sunlight from these satellite's antenna panels can easily rival the brightest stars and if you are in the right place at the right time can outshine the planet Venus at its brightest. These satellites often remain invisible until a few seconds before they appear and the flash is gone within another few seconds so it helps to know when and where in the sky to watch for them.

You can obtain predictions for Iridium flare events from heavens above. You can select and submit your location from a map provided. After submitting your location you can request predictions for any flares that might be visible from your current or a nearby location for the next seven days. If you get a good prediction and the sky (clouds) cooperates, face the direction indicated and look up at the angle above the horizon indicated a few seconds before the predicted time and watch it appear and brighten. Although they can be bright enough to see in light polluted areas (even occasionally in daylight) they are most impressive when viewed from a darker location. Angles greater than 40 degrees (about half-way up from the horizon) and magnitudes of -8 are best.

You can also obtain predictions for the ISS (International Space Station) sightings for the next ten days from your location at this same web sight.

Don�t fall off your porch!

[jane1098]

thankyou richard and mibn. those answers were very inciteful.

i will look forward to using the predictions for iridium flares mibn. it looks really interesting.
i've just got to wait for a clear sky now and by the looks of it it won't be tonight.
thanks again guys.

[mibn2cweus]

they're out there