Can Satellite Watching Become an Addictive Hobby?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hobby of satellite watching, exploring personal experiences, tools used, and the enjoyment derived from observing satellite flares. Participants share anecdotes and technical details related to their observations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants regularly observe satellites and use tools like the Heavens Above website and mobile apps to track them.
  • One participant mentions starting satellite watching casually but later becoming more involved, indicating a potential for the hobby to become addictive.
  • Another participant shares a past experience of working on satellite photography for a couple of months, suggesting varying levels of commitment among hobbyists.
  • There is a discussion about the brightness of satellite flares, with some participants recalling specific magnitudes they have observed, such as -9 and -8.
  • Participants recount personal stories of witnessing satellite flares, highlighting the excitement and shared experiences with family members.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a shared enjoyment of satellite watching, but there is no consensus on the frequency of their observations or the specifics of the flares' brightness. Multiple personal experiences and varying levels of engagement with the hobby are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific brightness levels of satellite flares, but there is uncertainty regarding the accuracy of these observations and whether they can be verified.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astronomy, satellite technology, or outdoor hobbies may find this discussion relevant, particularly those considering taking up satellite watching as a pastime.

DaveC426913
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Does anyone else regularly observe them?

I started off slowly, using the Heavens Above website. But everyone knows it's a gateway site.

Now I have the app on my phone. I can get alerts in time to run outside in my socks to see them, or drag my entire family outside to show them. That's right, I'm not just an addict; I'm a dealer too.
 
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Um, regularly? No, but I did work at it for a month or two a couple of years ago until I got a good pic.
 
I was watching them regularly for a while. They're awesome. I had an app and everything.
 
iridiumflare00.jpg
 
Niiiiiice.

Do you know what the magnitude on that flare was projected to be? Best I've ever seen is -9.
 
No idea, it was soooo long ago.

Then, I have the information about when and where the picture was taken, so probably it can be checked.

Edit: I guess it was at least -1 or -2, as I don't look up if they are darker than that.
 
Last edited:
I really enjoy watching them, and also use the Heavens-Above site regularly. I do think the maximum brightness from what I've read is -9. I think I've seen a daylight flare some years back as well, but did not check the computer to confirm.
My best story--I had researched an upcoming flare event that was going to be roughly -8 and close to overhead from my home at around 8:00 pm. I set my watch to GMT and about a minute beforehand dragged my (ex)wife out into the backyard and pointed to a patch of sky. Almost to the second we had a very bright flash--she was dumbfounded. She always thought I was from outer space anyway; I just told her I'd set up with my buds to shine a light from their ship to prove it.
 
NeuronsAtWork said:
My best story--I had researched an upcoming flare event that was going to be roughly -8 and close to overhead from my home at around 8:00 pm. I set my watch to GMT and about a minute beforehand dragged my (ex)wife out into the backyard and pointed to a patch of sky. Almost to the second we had a very bright flash--she was dumbfounded. She always thought I was from outer space anyway; I just told her I'd set up with my buds to shine a light from their ship to prove it.

Yeah. I did the same thing with my kid! :smile:
 

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