Description
The brightness of satellites as observed from Earth varies significantly with orbital parameters and solar angle, with the brightest satellites leaving trails across astronomical images. This work explores how a satellite's altitude, inclination and structure, as well as the observer's position, affects the apparent brightness of the satellite. Using a rudimentary ray-tracing model that incorporates these parameters, we discuss the various orbital regions and local times of day when satellite brightness is minimised for astronomical observations.
Primary author
Lily Beesley
(University of Birmingham)
Co-author
Leah-Nani Alconcel
(University of Birmingham)
