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Satellite Swarm

Eleeski

Making fresh tracks
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Joined
Nov 13, 2015
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2,287
Location
San Diego / skis at Squaw Valley
Last night I saw an impressive display in the sky. My lake is pretty dark sky so satellite watching is an evening entertainment. I always wish upon a satellite - good luck from our wonderful tech on display.

Last night, it was weird. I saw a satellite, then another following it. OK, that was interesting. Then another? 20 seconds later, another. Another! This went on for half an hour. An amazing show.

Elon Musk's Spacex is deploying the Starlink constellation of satellites to provide internet to the world where reception is otherwise unavailable. A lofty and worthwhile goal but creating problems for astronomers. Pretty for the casual observer.

Eric
 
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Eleeski

Eleeski

Making fresh tracks
Skier
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Posts
2,287
Location
San Diego / skis at Squaw Valley
20200416_210447.jpg
 
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Eleeski

Eleeski

Making fresh tracks
Skier
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Posts
2,287
Location
San Diego / skis at Squaw Valley
Image from a cracked lens on a phone camera with my palsied hand holding. The bright "star" is Venus, the brightest object in the sky other than the sun and moon. The visible dot to the right is one of the satellites. Brighter than anything else in the sky but Venus!

Look for them next clear dark night.

Eric
 

crgildart

Gravity Slave
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Joined
Nov 12, 2015
Posts
16,323
Location
The Bull City
The ISS passes over us every month or so and is pretty easily spotted if the weather folks give us a heads up. Gotta say, I'm pretty damned good with the ecological positive externalities of this new normal. But then, I've worked remotely for 9 of the last 12 years. I only went back to an on site office gig about a year ago after 9 years of working remotely for same client similar functions. Traffic down, way down, less pollution, more buildings dark at night, less light pollution YAY!
 

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