4 replies to this topic

[JoBone]

Hello, on clear nights a single blue light travels from west to east with no pulsing. Could this be a satellite? There are others observed with the naked eye.

[ABQJeff]

Could be a satellite. Older satellites solar panels
reflected in blue as the solar cells preferentially absorbed in the red.

Newer panels have more broadband absorption (better quantum efficiency across the solar spectrum). Thus they reflect less light and appear more black, great for astronomers.

But to naked eye, that blue translates to more whitish. Does Rigel (blue giant) appear blue to you?

Edited by ABQJeff, 14 June 2025 - 04:55 PM.

[Chuck2]

If the ‘blue light’ is faint, does not blink, and rapidly fades, it’s most likely one of hundreds of satellites you can see with the unaided eye, typically after sunset in twilight skies. Satellites will fade or suddenly disappear as they pass into the earth’s shadow. (Note, some satellites ‘tumble’ and will blink as panels reflect light)

 

If the ‘blue light’ is brighter than all the stars in the sky, a slow traveling steady light without blinking, you may have spotted the space station. The ISS international space station can be seen for thousands of miles along it’s flight path as it passes overhead.

 

Many free apps are available to spot and track the space station, even some common weather apps have this function. Download this free app to track when the International ISS can be seen from your location…

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Edited by Chuck2, 15 June 2025 - 11:16 PM.

[csrlice12]

Maybe its an outer space KMart!

[scout]

The Starlink satellites started appearing blue last year:

 

https://www.spacewea...th=08&year=2024