Posted on 01/15/2012 6:46:37 PM PST by Imnidiot
Saw one close to midnight, the night before last, which took me aback for a moment. Most satellites are visible, naturally, before sunrise or after sunset when the Sun is still shinning brightly far overhead. Midnight seemed odd to see one in polar orbit, heading south, so close to midnight. Then I remembered the angle of the Sun, spilling over the pole. Even so, this particular spacecraft must have been in high orbit.
Lucky you...it beamed up a Ron Paul supporter instead.
I’ve “replied” to dozens of other peoples “Posted” subjects...this is the first time I’ve ever Posted anything. I didn’t realize a Post is the same as a Reply. Forgive me...please don’t sic the police on me!
I’ve seen satellites brighten up for a few seconds and then fade to pale white. I attribute it mainly to sunlight but does anyone know if the moon casts enough light to brighten a satellite?
Farrakhan supporters and RuPaul (er Ron) Paul supporters will claim it is the work of the “mother ship.” I actually heard Calypso Louie talk about his visit to it.
My response to his claim contained the word “mother” but I don’t recall the other one being “ship”. Might have sounded a little like it, though.
Usually, it’s sunlight reflecting off spacecraft/satellites as movement/angles change and can cause reflection of intermittent light or steady light while illuminated by the sun.
When ya see it fade, the object is generally moving into the earths shadow, where sunlight cannot be reflected off the satellites surface. Simply, the object passes into the earths shadow being cast from the sun.
I believe so, at the right angles, but in very dark skies.
The Planet Venus, during certain conditions and cast shadows on earth.
Lights on earth can illuminate the bottom of clouds making them appear lit.
BTW, many times, I can often see the Planet Jupiter in broad daylight.
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