When these four conditions are achieved, we say that the satellite will be potentially visible during its passage over our station. For that to take place, it is necessary that the following factors are present at the same time:ġ - Dark sky: it should be night on the observation locationĢ - The Sun's height: the solar disk should be between 10 and 25 degrees below the line of the horizonģ - Illuminated satellite: the sun rays should be reaching the satellite directlyĤ - The elevation angle: the satellite should be at least 25 degrees above the horizon On the blue screen, right the map, we have the parameters panel, updated every second, which is divided in three main areas, as shown below.įor a satellite can be observed directly, it is necessary that the sunshine reaches its structure and is reflected into our eyes. Each point represents the position of the satellite at each minute and gets the name of the sub-satellite Point. The red line shows the first 90 minutes of the current orbit and the blue line, the 90 following minutes. On the main screen we can see the World map, where the satellite in movement stands out by two outlined lines. On the Internet there are dozens of programs that keep your computer always on time. Make sure that the computer clock is correct and the time zone is compatible with your Region. Once chosen, after a few seconds the program will begin the track the satellite. That is made by clicking directly on the satellite available on the "Great Visibility" column or after clicking on some of the categories. To track a satellite it is necessary to choose one. In case the satellite cannot be seen, the expression shown will be Radio Signs.
When those conditions occur, the display will show the expression Visual. The numbers indicate the moment of the event, as well as the azimuth, elevation and altitude of the satelliteĬontact Mode - During the passage of the satellite, depending on some conditions, it is possible to observe the satellite directly. MAX and Range - Moment of the satellite's maximum approach.
The picture indicates the hour and the azimuth of the event. It is the moment when the satellite, after passing above the place, touches the horizon line and its signs can no longer be captured. It is the moment when the satellite will appear on our horizon and its signs can already be captured. On the up right side of this picture we have the countdown for the satellite to blunt on the horizon.ĪOS - Abbreviation of Signal Acquisition.