[masraum]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

Love this thread, every time Eric has posts a long exposure image I know we’re not going to be disappointed.

Before my question . . . Here is my setup:

My hardware is what I call a robust starter setup. Celestron 5 SE, Celestron StarTracker, Celestron NexImage, Celestron WiFi module, Celestron Powertank, an assortment of different magnification eyepieces, the SkySafari 6 Plus app, and finally the Celestron Sky Portal app.

Naturally with the light pollution in Los Angeles and the limitations of a 5” scope I’m not going to achieve results like some of you guys, but I was wondering, is it possible to have my setup locate and real-time track (larger) Earth satellites in orbit with my computerized mount?

With the SkyPortal app, I can reliably jump from brighter magnitude star to star without problem. But I was hoping to catch and track the ISS or Cosmos 462 (Failed 1972 Soviet Venus probe in earth orbit) as it crossed the night sky.

Any suggestions how to do this?

I appreciate everyone’s help and patience throughout the years.

Satellites (and there's a ton of them) move VERY fast. I would be surprised if the average mount could keep up with one. Certainly not easy if you were looking through the EP too.

I did once watch ISS through my 8" on a Dobsonian mount at it's lowest power, which I think was 50x. It was REALLY tough to keep ISS in view, but it was pretty cool seeing it's structure and even some color (some of the panels are golden/copper colored).