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ferrel_hadley t1_je1e5lp wrote

Very few do. But there is one group, the A Train

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-train_(satellite_constellation)

Set of sun synchronous satellites from various countries that arrive together to combine their instruments.

What you are most likely seeing is a mixture of the human habit of seeing patterns in random noise and the affect of unconsciously looking more for satellites when you notice one, plus seeing them in good viewing conditions makes seeing them more likely.

Worth noting you really only see them close to dawn and dusk as there still has to be sunlight up above to reflect off them.

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Preshe8jaz OP t1_je1i04q wrote

I usually see them shortly after dusk, but morning as well. I assumed it was bc I sleep from 10-6, but the Sun placement makes sense. Thanks for that tidbit. As far as groups, they are rarely in sequence. Sometimes I see two aligned and just offset. Usually they are flowing in generally the same N-S direction with one or two seconds behind the other. The E-W satellites seem much more rare. Pardon my ignorance. I have no formal training, just a Sky gazer and mediocre Googler.

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7sv3n7 t1_je1e15o wrote

U might be seeing starlink. They launch a rocket that carries a bunch, then releases them. So for awhile they are very close and slowly spread away

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fitzroy95 t1_je1dhu4 wrote

Starlink satellites are deployed in batches, usually around 16 in a group as they are launched and then slowly fan out and move to their designated grid position around the globe. Other satellites, not so much

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space-ModTeam t1_je1nugg wrote

Hello u/Preshe8jaz, your submission "Do satellites operate in groups for a reason? I’ve noticed that if I see a satellite, I will often see more near it." has been removed from r/space because:

  • Such questions should be asked in the "All space questions" thread stickied at the top of the sub.

Please read the rules in the sidebar and check r/space for duplicate submissions before posting. If you have any questions about this removal please message the r/space moderators. Thank you.

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