How to View a Satellite in Orbit

Go outside on a clear evening just after sunset, or around 45 minutes before sunrise. These conditions are the most favorable for spotting satellites because the sun's glare will not obscure your vision, but will still strike the satellites high above you and reflect light down from them to you. Later in the night, the earth's shadow obscures most satellites, although it may be possible to see some, especially during the summer. You must have an unobstructed view of the night sky, so most cities won't be ideal viewing locations because of light pollution.

Watch for satellites. They will appear as points of light moving steadily across the field of stars you are used to. They move steadily along in one direction, and do not change direction or speed. High-altitude airplanes are sometimes confused for satellites, but you can usually distinguish differently colored and blinking lights on an airplane. Be patient and within an hour or so you will have almost certainly spotted at least one satellite.

Invest in a good pair of binoculars or a telescope to make observations of specific and fainter satellites. See the Resources section below to find online tools and instructions for predicting and observing many satellites, including manned objects like the International Space Station.

Use a stopwatch, a reliable time source, and a star atlas to contribute your observations to the astronomical community. By timing the satellite's movement from a particular part of the sky and synchronizing your stopwatch to a reliable time source, you can measure the satellite's position.