Schematic showing the satellites that would be visible at a given time and place

This 2D diagram illustrates that an observer at mid-latitude would see only a fraction of the constellation satellites orbiting the Earth. To be visible, satellites need to be above the observer’s horizon and be illuminated by the Sun. Most satellites would be below the horizon and/or hidden by the Earth’s shadow which, for a given observer, covers increasingly more of the sky as night advances.

Credit:

ESO/L. Calçada

About the Image

Id:eso2004b
Type:Artwork
Release date:5 March 2020, 09:00
Related releases:eso2004
Size:15634 x 8734 px

About the Object

Type:Solar System : Sky Phenomenon : Night Sky : Trail : Satellite
Unspecified : Technology
Category:Illustrations

Image Formats

Large JPEG
6.5 MB
Screensize JPEG
82.9 KB

Zoomable