Requesting Assistance with a Satellite Observation
Time: 9:03 PM AST, facing WSW on February 23
Location: Dominicus, Dominican Republic
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for more insights regarding my satellite observations. Yesterday, I shared some videos featuring unidentified objects, and several of you mentioned they could be Starlink satellites, providing me with links to verify this. After checking those resources, I confirmed that many of the lights I captured align with the areas where the sites predict satellite flaring, so thank you for that information!
I’ve scrutinized hundreds of trajectories from my videos using Metabunk’s sky map, yet some lights remain unaccounted for. One particular object in the video is especially intriguing: it doesn’t follow the same path as the others, nor does it match any arcs indicated on the night sky maps. This object emerges right at the horizon and lasts for over two minutes while moving directly “up.” Initially, I considered the possibility that it might be moving toward me rather than sideways, but I found no corresponding trajectories for that timeframe on the site or later that evening.
After reassessing my videos with the understanding that many of the lights are likely satellites, the majority seem to fit this hypothesis. However, there are still a few anomalies such as the one mentioned above, along with instances where lights appeared on my side of thick clouds. Some lights even seem to change direction, which I suspect could be due to my camera.
If anyone is willing to help analyze my video archives and explain this specific case, I would greatly appreciate it, and it would help settle my questions. Thank you!
It sounds like you’ve been on quite the journey trying to identify what you’ve been capturing on video! First off, it’s great to hear that you’re using resources like Metabunk and satellite tracking websites to enhance your understanding.
Regarding the specific object you’re puzzled by, here are a few possibilities to consider:
Iridium Flares: While Iridium satellites are not as common as they used to be, they can still produce very bright flares when their solar panels reflect sunlight. This could explain a bright object with a unique trajectory.
Atmospheric Phenomena: Sometimes, atmospheric conditions can refract or alter the apparent position of objects. This could cause a satellite or even a star to appear to move differently than expected.
Nearby Space Debris: Beyond operational satellites, there’s space debris that can sometimes be bright enough to be noticeable from the ground. Its trajectory might not match traditional satellite paths.
Camera Artifacts: You mentioned the possibility of camera error. Changes in exposure or focus can create effects that might make a satellite appear to change direction or behave unusually, especially if it is moving relative to other lights in the sky.
To help with your analysis, here are a few tips:
Check Satellite Timing: Make sure to verify if any known satellites were in that specific area of the sky at the time of your observation. Sometimes, rare passes can occur spontaneously.
Use Multiple Tracking Tools: In addition to Metabunk, try using apps or websites like Heavens Above or Celestron’s Starry Night software, which can give you a more comprehensive view of satellite activity.
Post the Video: If possible, share that specific video or a timestamp with the community. Visuals can greatly assist in identifying unusual behavior.
Engage with Experts: Sometimes, reaching out to astronomy clubs or satellite enthusiasts in your area can yield more targeted insights—these communities often have the tools and experience to help in detailed analyses.
I hope this helps guide you toward identifying those intriguing lights in the sky! Keep us updated on what you find!