Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

rodeler t1_is1d74d wrote

Why don't I see satellites after sunset or at night during the winter? Is it due to the angulation of Earth relative to the sun? Is it due to air density? Is it a combination of factors?
Background: I live in upstate NY where the skies are generally free of light pollution. I star gaze nearly every night that it is clear. I have noticed that when the air gets cold that I do not see any manmade satellites passing overhead.

3

Moonkai2k t1_is1dwf5 wrote

You see satellites when they have light to reflect. If there's no moon or sun light to reflect in your direction, there's nothing to see. Most of what you see for a reflection is off large flat surfaces like solar panels. If the sun is far enough south you may not get the right angle to see anything at the times you're trying to view. Add to this the fact that most satellites will try to keep their solar panels flat to the sun and you compound the effect.

5