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Leith

(7,809 posts) Wed Sep 12, 2018, 11:42 PM Sep 2018

What Did I See in the Sky?

A couple nights ago, I was on the patio looking up at the sky. To the west, I saw some lights: one bright white light with 3 smaller red ones in a row above it. They did not seem to be moving and the lights did not blink. They were about 30 to 40% of the distance from the horizon to the zenith.

I googled to see if it could have been the space station, but apparently it is one bright light and moves rather quickly across the sky. Is it possible to see a satellite with nothing more than eyes with glasses?

7 replies

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What Did I See in the Sky? (Original Post) Leith Sep 2018 OP

They have apps for that. GemDigger Sep 2018 #1

It is my understanding KT2000 Sep 2018 #2

Can't help you on that, but here's what I saw tonight: PoindexterOglethorpe Sep 2018 #3

UhhhHummmhhh... GReedDiamond Sep 2018 #4

Ah! It Was the Swamp Gas Leith Sep 2018 #5

I see nothing!... GReedDiamond Sep 2018 #6

Weather Balloon! FSogol Sep 2018 #7

GemDigger

(4,305 posts)

1. They have apps for that.

Reply to Leith (Original post)

Thu Sep 13, 2018, 12:14 AM

Sep 2018

There are several out there for phones. One of them follows things like the space station and satellites.

KT2000

(20,584 posts)

2. It is my understanding

Reply to Leith (Original post)

Thu Sep 13, 2018, 12:14 AM

Sep 2018

that we can see the lights from satellites and what we think are stars are often satellites.

It could also be a drone.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,862 posts)

3. Can't help you on that, but here's what I saw tonight:

Reply to Leith (Original post)

Thu Sep 13, 2018, 01:42 AM

Sep 2018

Looking west shortly after sunset, Venus which was absolutely brilliant, the waxing moon, Jupiter somewhat higher up, and to the east about half way across the sky, Mars. So I called my son the astronomer, and he said I should be able to see Saturn also, and sure enough, I could! He was able to look at a star map and verify that I really was seeing Saturn, given I could tell him the location (about two thirds of the way from Jupiter to Mars) and that it was in the plane of the ecliptic along with the other three planets.

It was quite thrilling.

(I live in New Mexico and have wonderful clear skies)