Satellites
The UMD Astronomy Observatory Remains Closed
Fall 2024 Update: The UMD Astronomy Observatory remains closed to all public outreach activities.
Although most of the time astronomers are irritated by the number of manmade objects orbiting our planet, there are times when seeing these satellites is nevertheless fun. Besides, it doesn't take any fancy equipment to actually see many of the satellites. Best of all, you don't have to stay up too late. Satellites are most visible in the hours after sunset or before sunrise.
Sighting opportunities for International Space Station (ISS), other satellites, and their orbital elements can be found at:
- Heavens-Above Main Page includes ISS visibility dates and visibility of Iridium flares for your location if not in
- College Park, or at
- Alexandria, VA.
- Spot the Station
- Visual Satellite Observer's Home Page (VSHOP) is recommended for learning more about tracking satellites!
- Geostationary/geosynchronous satellites
- And then occasionally, satellites come down! For the latest reentry information, check out Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies.
Don't know how to read the info at these sites?
Then you should come to week 1 of our Learn the Sky Nights program.