Illustration of Starlink satellites in grid-like orbits over radio receiver array

Science and Space Policy

A New Hope? Taming the Satellite Swarm

Going by the paperwork, 1 million satellites are headed for the skies. The question is, how many of these are real? New policy may help stem the tide.

BlueWalker 3 satellite panel dwarfs team that built it

Astronomy and Society

The Bright BlueWalker 3 Satellite Threatens Astronomy

The bright BlueWalker 3 satellite, a prototype for the even larger Bluebird satellites, is one of the brightest objects in the sky.

Astronomical Tools

Satellite Tracking Tool: Track the ISS & Hubble

The International Space Station passes over virtually all of Earth's populated areas, and you can spot it easily with your eyes alone — if you know where and when to look for it.

Astronomical Tools

Satellite Transit Tool: Spot ISS Transits of the Sun and Moon

The International Space Station often passes close to the Moon, Sun, and naked-eye planets. Use this tool to plan viewing these close encounters.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Space-Station Frenzy

For a few days each May, you might see the International Space whenever it passes overhead throughout the night.

sunlight twice reflected

Space Satellites

How to Catch an Iridium Flare

These communications satellites can briefly outshine Venus as they spray the ground with reflected sunlight.

International Space Station

Stargazing Basics

Take a "Sat-seeing" Tour

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the International Space Station! Learn how to spot Earth's artificial satellites.

Celestial Objects to Observe

Have You Been Flashed By Iridium?

The Iridium satellites' antenna arrays are almost perfect mirrors. And when they catch the Sun just right — wow!