(Also see Satellite Observing)
Tom's Note: Satellite observing is not only fun but rich in content--the
software that is available is outstanding and NASA and others will supply you with all of
the basic information you'll need. You have many options. For example, you can just go
outside and look up into the night sky for the brighter visual satellites, use binoculars
to watch and record changes in their brightness, or set up equipment to receive
Earth images using an inexpensive radio/antenna/computer combination. The
software, identified below, will help you predict and acquire satellite passages,
(very) accurately. From my home (located in the Southwestern part of the US (Taos,
NM) I have received NOAA images from Alaska, Hudson Bay down to the Yucatan. However
more recently, various Internet agencies have begun supplying a greater number of
Satellite images with much better detail than my equipment was capable.
Please remember that satellite passages may only last for a few minutes and it is
very important to have you computer clock set to the correct time (see NIST Time download).
In case you don't know .. typically PC loose time (several seconds a day) and the NIST
Time software should be downloaded, installed and run before each observing session.
The Satellite tracking software will only be as accurate as your computer's clock
time.
