Why can`t I see satellites now like I used?

Question

About 40 years ago, I was in the Army, and serving in the desert. It was hot there and I slept outside in the open on a camp bed. As I lay there I often saw satellites passing across the sky. Recently I have been looking up at the sky and I can`t see them. Why is that. Anyone know? There must be more there than ever there were then.

Answer 1

Its Light pollution. The Best times to see stars, satellites, planets, and the ISS. Is when there is a power faliure.  But those only happen once every 10 years. I haven't had one since 2003. Also get away from the urban, and subraban areas. You will see alot more away from the lights.

Answer 2

key in the following to your fave search box "NASA Human space-flight sighting opportunities" which has a link to a chart depending on your location, of when and where to look.

Answer 3

Light & air pollution....

Go up to the mountains - a month ago, you could see 10 or 12 at a time.

Answer 4

They are still there and can still be seen.  In fact I saw one not even a week ago.

Part of the problem is light pollution from cities.  They make it harder to spot such things than if you were in the middle of nowhere and it was very dark.

Also, the best time to spot them is a bit after sunset or a bit before sunrise (while the sky is still dark).  At their altitude the satellites catch the sun before it is shining on you.  In the middle of the night the satellites are completely in earth's shadow so you would not see them.

Answer 5

Probably light pollution

But they are there to be seen. Check out the 'Heavens above' website for tips and timetables.