Although most of the time astronomers are irritated by the number of manmade objects in orbit about our planet, there are times when seeing these satellites is nevertheless fun for the amateur astronomer. 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.
One of the brightest of the permanent satellites is the ISS or International Space Station. Richard H., a longtime member of MAC, kindly provides the dates of visibility of ISS for each month. These dates and times are based on orbital elements which may change without warning. Heavens-Above Main Page includes ISS visibility dates and visibility of Iridium flares for your location if not in Columbia, SC , or at Cromer Rd. The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author.