Satellites over Columbia, SC

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.

Sighting opportunities for ISS, the Space Shuttle, and other satellites and their orbital elements can be found at: