See a Satellite Tonight

[sentrms]

The question should be, how to not see a satellite. Even looking up for 3 minutes I can see at least one satellite flying over on a clear night. For context, this is rural, south-west France (Lot-et-Garonne) with little to no light pollution.

[dang]

Related:

See a Satellite Tonight - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26638355 - March 2021 (50 comments)

Show HN: See a Satellite Tonight. No Telescope Required - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=21037167 - Sept 2019 (152 comments)

[xeddit]

I'm convinced we're some of the last people who will be able to see star constellations, you can look up at the sky at almost any moment and find a satellite. How long before star constellations become unrecognisable due to satellites passing through them? What will the night sky look like in 500 years? In my childhood there were none, now there are thousands. Every time I point one out people spurt out "international space station" as if that's the only thing floating around up there.

[Tepix]

I don't think it's as dramatic as you fear. Most satellites that are part of these megaconstellations will not be bright most of the time. It's mostly during dusk and dawn.

[readenough]

I think in 500 years the sky should look like a blue and white dot outside of the window of the space craft.

[RLN]

Apart from being incredibly optimisic about clouds and light pollution, this is really cool. Showing where the satellite should pass from a streetview perspective is a really nice addition I've not seen before.

[eimrine]

May I enter my coords by kbd?

[modeless]

Yes, there's a "change location" link that brings up a box to type in your address or coordinates.

[orsenthil]

So, how do I see this without an any equipment?

[mritzmann]

You see a light fly by.

- If the light flashes, it is an aircraft

- If the light is not flashing, it is a satellite

- And if the light is very very fast, it is a shooting star

[Tepix]

Even with binoculars you will only see a moving dot.

[Gordonjcp]

Go outside when it's dark. Look up. Wait.

[SoulMan]

Yeah I am a regular heaven's above user (too bad they dont have iOS app) but this looked almost spooky when I saw my the sky with my building where I live (pulled from Google street views). At least in stellarium you see random horizon not your own freaking house

[mwint]

> you can make antennas to recieve radio signals from certain birds.

I knew birds were CIA spy drones!