Click here to go there now. 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.
Richard H., a longtime member of MAC, kindly provides the dates of visibility of the MIR space station for each month. These dates and times are based on orbital elements which may change without warning. No visible passes are predicted before Mir's re-entry on March 23. Heavens-Above Main Page includes MIR 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.