Tricks of the Eye.

[Doug]

Ever since the first Sputnik glided across the Sydney skies I have noticed that all artificial satellites "appear" to sort of stagger along their way when viewed with (my) unaided eyes. Even the echo satellite series appeared to move erratically, and they were relatively bright objects, not on the threshold of seeing. When seen through binoculars or a finder scope or even on rare occasions the main OTA, they are seen to be moving smoothly as one would expect.
Has anyone else ever noticed this effect? is it a well documented aberration? or am I a loner on this one? Am I afflicted with some strange sight/optic nerve anomaly since at least age 11?

[sheeny (Al)]

I can't say I've noticed that, Doug.

When the sky clears I'll pay a bit more attention and see how I go...

Al.

[rmcpb (Rob)]

They all glide to me but now I will look closer

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

I think thats due to the path of the satellite not being in alignment with either (or both) the rows and columns of the individual pixel elements within your primary optical sensors, thus as the position of the satellite position "drops" from one row (or column) of pixels to the next you get that "stagger" motion.



Suggested fixes:

1 - Loosen neck restraining clips and rotate head to allow alignment of satellite path with single line of pixels. Remember to secure neck clips again afterwards, otherwise this can be very embarassing.

2 - Upgrading primary optical sensors from CMOS to CCD elements may help. This assumes of course that you are an older model, or a model built more to a price spec than a quality level. Disregard this suggestion if not applicable.

3 - Upgrade to VERY expensive primary optical sensors with pixel structure designed on concentric circular layout instead of horizontal & vertical "grid" structure - this should eliminate effects of satellite tracking along, then across, pixel lines and resultant stagger.

Hope you find this helpful!

[Doug]