eli5: Why are satellites visible at night with our own eyes?

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Childhood me would like to know why every time I pointed to a star someone would tell me that one was in face man made.

In: Technology

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

If the sun is just below the horizon then there is a small timeframe (maybe an hour) where a satellite high above you is still in the sunlight even though you are in darkness on the ground. This makes the satellite shine brightly against the dark background of the sky.

If around that time of night you see a STEADY white light cruising across the sky, then you are probably seeing a satellite. If it is flashing other colors then it is probably an aircraft. If it is sitting still and not moving then it is probably a star or planet.

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