what is a MIA satellite

Question

I came across this sentence in a magazine:

We sit outside the Lorne Community Hall, Victoria, watching the MIA satellite overhead.

I wonder if the author is talking about an artificial satellite. Can one recognize an artificial satellite with naked eyes?

Thanks for response.

All other parts of the article have to do with the main topic- the boots that accompanied the author in his travel to many places. — user2598, Oct 12 '14 at 14:08
This question probably would be best on Space Exploration.SE — , Oct 13 '14 at 03:49
i would guess "missing in action" (like in the military), but if you are seeing it overhead, that doesnt make sense — usethedeathstar, Oct 13 '14 at 07:15

Beta Decay · Answer 1 · 2014-10-15T06:04:17.907

2

As @usethedeathstar said, MIA satellite most likely means 'Missing In Action'. The following lyrics from the song 'MIA satellite' seems to solidify this:

MIA Satellite-
You've got no path in sight.
You leave me hanging in the dead of night-
In the dead of night.

Regarding the ability to identify artificial satellites, it is possible to identify some satellites. Some identification guides:

Iridium

Iridium satellites are usually faster than most satellites, but their tell-tale sign is that they go from dim to bright to dim as they rotate. This bright flash is known as an Iridium Flare.

ISS

This moves East to West and is brighter than the average satellite.

edited Oct 15 '14 at 06:04

answered Oct 13 '14 at 19:03

Beta Decay

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Do you have any evidence to back this up? – HDE 226868 Oct 13 '14 at 23:03
@HDE226868 The MIA satellite bit or the identification? – Beta Decay Oct 14 '14 at 19:19
The MIA satellite bit. I thought you were fine with the identification. – HDE 226868 Oct 15 '14 at 00:16

what is a MIA satellite

1 Answers1

Iridium

ISS