Observing Satellites

simranjits · Post by **simranjits** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 6:04 pm

Theres not much talk abt this , i'm actually very interested to know if there is any information on how to observe man made satellites , imaging or otherwise. So far i've only see pictures of ISS and mir on the internet taken by telescopes.

Is it possible for a consumer telescope to actualy see 500kg class satellites. Is there any examples of these on the internet.

simranjits · Post by **simranjits** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 8:39 pm

Anyone know what kinda of telescope i should get that gives some kind of detail on satellites , not dots in the sky

Canopus Lim · Post by **Canopus Lim** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:00 pm

I have seen the ISS with my small 5 inch scope and details can be seen.

However, I think 500 kg satellites may be just too small to see any details even with a large scope. They would look like dots that move fast. Tracking is also a problem as ISS and other satellites move very fast (because the field of view of a telescope is small).

simranjits · Post by **simranjits** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:42 am

Have u taken any pictures of the ISS?

Canopus Lim · Post by **Canopus Lim** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:15 am

Nope never took any picture of ISS as I do not have the right equipment and skills to do so. I am a visual and casual observer.