Why Aren’t 2,000 Satellites Visible on the Live ISS App?
Why Aren’t 2,000 Satellites Visible on the Live ISS App?
The mystery of why we can’t see all 2,000 satellites orbiting Earth on the live ISS app has puzzled many. The truth is, the vastness of the space and the size of these satellites play a crucial role in this visibility challenge. Let's delve deeper into the reasons behind this mystery.
The Scale of Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) extends from about 100 to 2,000 kilometers above sea level, encompassing a volume of around one trillion cubic kilometers. This enormous space accommodates not just one, but approximately 3,000 artificial satellites. For context, if you were to randomly distribute 3,000 people across every explored part of Earth's land and oceans, it's incredibly unlikely that any of them would be visible to another without aid.
Why See a Satellite from ISS?
As impressive as the International Space Station (ISS) might seem, its vantage point is not ideal for tracking satellites. Most satellites are oriented towards Earth to gather data and communicate, making it highly unlikely to see one unless it briefly crosses the line of sight of the ISS camera. Even when a satellite passes by, the scale of space ensures that most are out of sight.
Visibility Challenges from Earth
From a ground-based perspective, satellite visibility can also be a challenge. The Earth's surface and the ISS itself are much nearer to these satellites than the ISS is, making it difficult to spot them without specialized equipment. However, with the right conditions, you can see satellites as faint points of light in the sky, especially just before sunrise or just after sunset.
Visibility on the Live ISS App
Try as we might, the live ISS app is designed primarily for tracking the ISS and does not include detailed information on other satellites. Moreover, the exposure settings in live images take precedence over satellite images, making them indistinguishable from distant stars. Even when capturing images, the crew can photograph satellites with ease if they specifically look for them.
How to See Satellites from Earth
To spot satellites from Earth, you need to get away from light pollution. Use resources like Heavens Above or similar satellite-tracking websites to plan your viewing. Look for tiny specks of light moving along specific trajectories just before sunrise or after sunset. These moments provide the best chance to catch a glimpse of a satellite traverse the sky.
In conclusion, the apparent invisibility of satellites on the live ISS app is a result of the vast scale of LEO and the orientation of most satellites towards Earth. While we can't see them from the ISS, there are still ways to spot these satellites from Earth with the right conditions and tools. The beauty of space exploration is that there is always more to discover!
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