I was just lying under the sky trying to possibly see some meteorites, unfortunately never seeing any I might add, but I saw three objects all moving at about the same speed( all at different times). They were far too faint and small to be aircraft or anything inside of the atmosphere I would think and there were no blinking lights. They were also moving fairly quickly it seemed. Could these have been satellites in low earth orbit? It's the only other thing I would think that they could be.
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asked Apr 21, 2014 at 1:30
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A lot of satellites are visible under the right conditions. Usually up to 2 hours after sunset and 2 hours before sunrise. This allows the sun to strike the satellite when you are on the dark side. Depending on the orbit, it will take between 1 and 5 minutes to traverse most of the sky. Usually, they will enter the shadow and you lose sight of them.
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$\begingroup$ I would say timing is pretty spot on here. I've noticed them many times before and always wondered if that's what they were. $\endgroup$ Commented Apr 21, 2014 at 1:46
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3$\begingroup$ Have a look at Spot the ISS and See Iridium Flares for times to see satellites. $\endgroup$ Commented Apr 21, 2014 at 6:06
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1$\begingroup$ There are also smartphone apps that allow you to predict when you can spot the ISS passing above your place. Also Iridium flare predictor apps. Yes, those moving dots you've seen are reasonably likely satellites (can't say 100% sure, but fairly likely). $\endgroup$ Commented Apr 21, 2014 at 18:45
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$\begingroup$ I like this link for the ISS better: iss.astroviewer.net/observation.php $\endgroup$– Jeff YCommented May 13, 2016 at 13:23