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ASSIGNMENT
Choose from the following three ….
- Download one of the satellite tracking smartphone apps: Satellite Tracker or Orbitrack Alternatively, you can use one of the Satellite tracking websites.
List 5 satellites that have passed Ireland recently. Post this on the discussion and talk about what these satellites are doing (150 words). - Study the EO BROWSER ‘step by step’ guide AND the EO Browser Tutorial, give an ‘elevator pitch ‘ on the EO Browser to a colleague who never heard of it and discuss how you would use it in class (150 words)
- Download the Teacher Guide & Pupil Activities for the ESA Resource ‘ Nose High Up in The Sky, carry out the pupil activities yourself and post your thoughts on the resource and if you would use it in class. (150 words)
Please also comment on at least one other participant’s post
- Download one of the satellite tracking smartphone apps: Satellite Tracker or Orbitrack Alternatively, you can use one of the Satellite tracking websites.
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I used the Satellite Tracker app to find five satellites that recently passed over Ireland.
1. International Space Station – orbits Earth every 90 minutes and is often the brightest object in the sky.
2. Starlink satellites – part of SpaceX’s internet project, often seen in groups moving like a train across the sky.
3. TERRA – an Earth observation satellite that collects climate and environmental data.
4. Hubble Space Telescope – studies space and galaxies. It can sometimes be seen shortly after sunset or before sunrise.
5. NOSS – U.S. satellites used for naval and signal tracking, sometimes seen in groups.
It was interesting to learn what each satellite does and to watch them pass over Ireland in real-time. I think students would really enjoy this kind of activity. It connects space science, geography, and technology in a fun and visual way.
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I chose Assignment 3: ‘Nose High Up in the Sky’
I carried out the three assignments myself which were : Talking about Weather, Sensing the Weather and Build your weather station.
I thought that this was a great resource and very practical from a teacher point of view and also very hands-on for the children. A lot of STEM skills would be used for these activities and the activity sheets were visual and not too crowded or overwhelming as is the case at times.
I thought the use of the weather proverbs was very clever and the children would remember these. A topic of conversation daily especially here in Ireland is the weather so this would be a very beneficial and topical topic for the children to learn.
In our school, I would use these lessons as we would work together as a school Community to set up a weather station and integrate this in to our wellbeing and green school programmes.
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I really enjoyed reading your reflection on Nose High Up in the Sky—I completely agree with you! It’s such a practical and engaging resource, both from a teaching perspective and for the children. I also found the activities to be a great way of integrating STEM in a hands-on, meaningful way.
The weather proverbs are such a clever touch—I can imagine how well they’d stick with the children and spark daily conversations, especially with how often the weather changes here in Ireland!
I love your idea of setting up a school-wide weather station and linking it into your Wellbeing and Green Schools programmes. It’s a great way to build a sense of community while giving real purpose to the learning.
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I love the idea of the weather station being a whole school collaboration, especially taking into account wellbeing and the green school programme. This year we embraced a corner of our outdoor space as an outdoor classroom (just some old logs, drifwood and a sail shade between some trees). The enthusiasm and engagement from the kids was superb. A weather station would fit in perfectly near to this new outdoor space.
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This sounds great
I agree that the hands-on approach and inclusion of weather proverbs make the lessons highly engaging and memorable for students. Your plan to integrate this into your school’s Green School and wellbeing programs is a fantastic and practical way to bring the community together and make the learning really valuable for the kids.
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Here are five satellites that have passed earth recently and what they are doing.
1. Starlink Satellites (SpaceX)
Frequent “satellite trains” seen streaking across Irish skies are Starlink satellites shortly after launch—traveling in clusters before spacing out in orbit. They form part of SpaceX’s megaconstellation delivering global broadband and are visible when they reflect sunlight at dusk or dawn.2. International Space Station (ISS)
The bright, fast-moving ISS often becomes visible for a few minutes when it flies above Ireland, especially shortly after dark astronomy.ieReddit. It’s a habitable laboratory orbiting Earth at ~414–437 km, conducting experiments and hosting astronauts.3. NOAA-15, NOAA-18, NOAA-19 (Weather Satellites)
These NOAA satellites pass overhead and transmit weather imagery that amateur radio enthusiasts in Ireland can tune into using SDR setups—capturing near real-time images, such as cloud cover and atmospheric data.4. EIRSAT-1 (Ireland’s First Satellite)
Launched December 1, 2023, this 2U CubeSat developed by UCD carries instruments like a gamma-ray detector, thermal surface experiments, and a novel magnetic attitude control system. It’s actively generating scientific data and orbiting in sun-synchronous orbit.5. NovaSAR-1 (SSTL)
Though not constantly overhead, this radar-imaging satellite recently completed just seven passes to produce an extremely detailed synthetic aperture radar map of Ireland—able to see through darkness and clouds. -
Hello Leanne,
Thanks for sharing. It never ceases to astonish me how many and diverse the functions of the satellites orbiting our planet truly are. Lists like yours are a great reminder of this often unknown and unseen network of activity.
As you mentioned, EIRSAT-1, I am reminded of last week when I saw a 3-D model life-size replica in the Explorium Dublin, and some lovely visuals and activities around space for those already thinking about school tour options for the coming academic year.
By using Apps like Orbitrack, learners can begin to understand the world of action that occurs above our heads and research various satellites, with schedules of what will be visible in the nights ahead, and various perspectives, etc. A great activity during Space Week!
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This is a fascinating summary of satellites recently passing Earth and the variety of roles they play. I really like how you balance well-known examples, such as Starlink and the ISS, with more specialised satellites like NOAA and NovaSAR-1. Including EIRSAT-1 is an excellent touch, as it shows Ireland’s direct involvement in space exploration and makes the topic more relevant for learners here. The explanations are clear, accessible, and highlight how satellites support everyday life, from internet access to weather forecasting. This could be developed into an excellent classroom discussion or project on the importance of satellites in society.
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Hi Lauren,
I completely agree! Learning what each satellite does and watching them pass over Ireland in real-time was really interesting. It’s a fun and visual way to learn, and it also teaches a lot about space, geography, and technology. I think students would find it both exciting and educational.
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Hi Lauren,
I really like how you included what each satellite does, not just their names. It makes the activity feel more real and helps you see why we have all these satellites up there. I also agree that students would enjoy tracking them in real-time. It’s such a fun way to connect science with what’s happening right above us. I might try this with my class and see if they can spot the ISS themselves!
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I used a satellite tracking app to check which satellites have recently passed over Ireland, and it’s fascinating to see how many are constantly moving above us. Five that I spotted include the International Space Station (ISS), Hubble Space Telescope, Starlink satellites, NOAA-19, and Landsat 8. Each of these has a very different role. The ISS has astronauts and a wide range of scientific experiments . Hubble is one of the most famous space telescopes, this was the only one I’d heard of before. I believe it is capturing images of distant galaxies and helping us learn more about the universe. The Starlink satellites are part of SpaceX’s global internet project, aiming to improve connectivity in remote areas. NOAA-19 is a weather satellite that collects data on climate and storm systems, Landsat 8 helps monitor Earth’s surface, providing information about land use, agriculture, and environmental change. It’s amazing how much activity is happening right above Ireland
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I chose Assignment 3, Nose High Up in the Sky, which includes three activities:
-Talking About Weather
-Sensing the Weather
-Build Your Weather Station
I found this to be a highly engaging, hands-on, and practical resource. It incorporates a wide range of STEM skills, while the activity sheets are well-presented and easy to follow. I think they will be very suitable for my 4th class. The activities encourage children to observe, discuss, ask questions, and interpret data, offering plenty of opportunities to learn while having fun.I particularly liked the use of weather proverbs. This is a clever and memorable way to teach children about weather patterns. In Ireland, where the weather is such a frequent topic of conversation, this approach feels especially relevant and enjoyable. It also highlights that we don’t always need technology to understand weather, nature provides many clues. I enjoyed exploring the proverbs and their meanings, and I think children would too.
The Sensing the Weather activity was great for its simplicity and relevance. Children use their own senses to observe weather conditions, making the activity easy and very relatable.
The Build Your Weather Station activity offers endless opportunities for creativity and hands-on exploration. Pupils can plan, design, and construct simple weather instruments, then use them in their own classroom weather station. The excitement of testing instruments they have built themselves and recording results would make this a particularly rewarding experience.
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I found ‘Nose High Up in the Sky’ a very useful and engaging resource for teachers and pupils alike. The activities focus on concerning issues like air pollution, weather, and climate change. It helps children explore weather observation using their senses and simple instruments. Activities include analysing weather proverbs, making sensory observations, and building a basic meteorological station to measure rain, wind, and temperature. It links everyday experiences with scientific tools to enhance weather understanding.
Having gone through the pupil activities myself, they provided hands-on and engaging approaches to the learning and understanding of observing and measuring weather conditions. Children are encouraged to observe, ask questions, and interpret data through drawing, discussion, and simple analysis. This makes complex space science accessible and relevant.
The resource links space technology to everyday environmental concerns, helping the children understand how satellites assist in protecting our planet. It links well with other areas of the SESE curriculum, particularly geography and supports developing STEM skills, critical thinking, and environmental awareness. It is a valuable resource to use in the classroom when teaching the children lessons on this topic.
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I agree, Nose High Up in the Sky sounds like a great resource. I like how it combines practical activities with real-world issues like pollution and climate change. The hands-on approach seems like a fun way for pupils to connect with science, while also linking to space technology and satellites in a way that’s easy to understand. Definitely something useful for building STEM skills in the classroom!
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I completely agree —Nose High Up in the Sky is such a practical and engaging resource. I really like how it connects everyday weather observations with real scientific tools and concepts. The sensory activities and hands-on elements make the learning meaningful and accessible for all pupils. I also think the link to space technology and satellites is a great way to show the bigger picture and connect it back to environmental awareness. It’s a brilliant way to bring STEM and SESE together in a fun and relevant way!
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I chose Assignment 3 – ‘Nose High Up in the Sky’ and I carried out the activities. I would definitely use these activities in class, particularly in the senior classes. I examined photographs of different landscapes such as rivers, lakes, mountains, cities, etc. taken from the ground and compared these with photographs taken from satellites. I feel that this would be very beneficial to children as it facilitates the development of skills such as observing, questioning, analysing and evaluating and there are many opportunities to engage children in critical thinking. I also believe that this activity would help children to develop their spatial awareness and different ways to view an object. I also feel that these activities highlight to children the importance of satellites to view objects, identify effects of climate change, and to further knowledge of what is happening on earth.
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I used Satellite Tracker to explore which satellites were passing over Ireland. Some are in use while others are not anymore.
SAOCOM 1-A: this satellite helps predict and monitor natural migration of natural disasters.
SJ-16: this satellite tables and graphs forecasts for the next five days.
USA 81 satellite: is a US Air Force signals intelligence satellite.
Resurs-DK N0.1: is an Earth observational Satellite.
HXMT: this satellite is China’s first x-ray astronomy satellite.
It was very interesting investigating what satellites were currently passing over Ireland. It would be a great activity for the children to investigate and then explore when they were launched or if they are still in use or just space debris.
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On the subject of debris, a
pparently MicroMeteoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) was the third biggest threat to losing a space shuttle during their missions. Only launch and re-entry were bigger threats. During that era, all of the shuttles would receive “flesh wounds” from MMOD strikes. https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/09/iss-evaluate-mmod-strike-cupola-window/ -
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Dearbhail, I liked comparing the 5 satellites that I spotted and none were the same as yours! I’m sure the students will love this activity. These apps are a phenomenal resource to show them the quantity and variety of satellites orbiting above our heads each day and the huge amount they are doing to improve our lives.
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I have downloaded Satellite Tracker and these satellites have recently been visible over Ireland.
International Space Station (ISS) – Often visible over Ireland as a bright, fast-moving object. The ISS hosts scientific experiments in microgravity and supports Earth observation research.Starlink satellites (SpaceX) – Frequently seen in “trains” of bright lights shortly after launch. These constellations deliver global broadband internet, especially to remote areas.
Starlink‑3591 – One of the many Starlink satellites now faintly orbiting Earth provides connectivity; was logged during a recent spotting session in Ireland.
Gaofen‑11 – A Chinese Earth observation satellite used for monitoring land and environmental data.
Landsat 4 – Part of NASA’s Earth-observation program. This satellite collects imagery used for mapping, environmental monitoring, and agricultural planning.These satellites illustrate a mix of scientific research, environmental monitoring, and commercial communications — perfect examples to inspire students and spark curiosity about how humans use space technology.
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Hi Brian,
I like how you’ve highlighted a variety of satellites visible over Ireland, showing both their scientific and practical purposes. I agree that using real examples like the ISS and Starlink can really inspire students and make space technology feel relevant and exciting. I think your overview offers a great way to connect classroom learning with current, real-world space activities, which can definitely spark curiosity and engagement.
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I went with the app TrakSat, just to compare a free app option.
The following is the list of satellites I found to be close to Ireland in recent times:
-Cosmos 2151
-SL14
-SL16
-SL3
-Cosmos 2242
The app gave the option of a map or globe view -good to be able to show the children exactly hw the satellites are orbiting.
It also allows you to add information to the map as you watch; orbit line, horizon colour variants, day/night overlay- nice to have this option to extend the activity/lesson based on ability and interest.
You can include exact longitude/latitude coordinates for our location which would provide excellent stimulus and extension opportunity in maths and geography.
The app also allowed me to search for predicted locations of satellites by typing in the satellite name. It then provided the predicted trajectory for that satellite. This would provide opportunity for pair and group work by providing a list of satellites and they must work out 2/3 countries this satellite will pass.
I think for a free version, its an okay option. Plenty of opportunity for exploration and investigation. Paired with the EO browser, there’s plenty to keep the topic engaging for the children.
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I would use this activity in class as it introduces pupils to the idea of remote observation of the Earth from space. The activity where children are asked to match photographs of different landscapes (mountains, lakes, rivers, cities, islands, and deserts) taken from the ground with photos of the same places taken by astronauts on board the International Space Station, and also with photos taken by Earth Observation satellites will motivate and enage the children. It will also encourage them to speak about the importance of satellites and what the satellites can monitor that can’t be monitored from ground level. In particular, this resource uses photos from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2, missions that have been developed by ESA as part of the Copernicus programme.
Through these activities pupils learn about the different viewpoints from which you can observe an object, the differences between satellite photos and those taken from earth, what the Earth looks like from Space and the benefits of taking the images from Space. -
Satelite Tracker
The satellite tracker I used was N2YO.com
1. Lemur 2 Johnnytruong USA launched 3/4/2024
This satellite is equipped with Polarimetric Radio Occultation (PRO) sensors to detect and characterize precipitation
2. Lemur-2-Nichol launched September 28th 2020 USA
This satellite orbits between 400 to 600 km in height its mission is radio occultation sounding and ship tracking
3. Spacebee-172 USA launced 16/12/2023
The SpaceBEE 172 satellite is part of a constellation of picosatellites developed by Swarm Technologies. These satellites are designed to provide two-way satellite communications and data relay. The primary purpose of the SpaceBEE satellites is to offer low-cost, global connectivity for Internet devices
4. The ISS (International Space Station) launched in 1998
It is a large space station assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit by a collaboration of five space agencies and their contractors: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada)
This satellite is a science laboratory dedicated to helping humans learn how to live in space, figuring out how the space environment affects biology–and human bodies. Other onboard experiments are carried out to have a better understanding of how the cosmos works.
5. I have to admit I struggled to find a good tracker using the browser and ended up using this one to find satellite no 5, satellite chasers app.
OBJECT WK launched 1998 from Kazakhstan
This one is a bit of a puzzle. It says on the satellite tracker that it is active but other websites say it is space debris.-
Hi Fionnuala,
Thanks for sharing. That’s quite the list you’ve put together! It’s incredible to explore the number of satellites that orbit our skies, and the diversity of work that they are carrying out, that we often benefit from wholly unaware!
I have to say, I think the Orbitrack app does a beautiful job with its visuals and mood-setting music, too! Our skies are becoming busier by the day, but we need to be mindful of not cluttering it with debris!
The ISS is a great one to do a project on, with so many resources available, and due for decommissioning in only a few short years.
I had a quick look for OBJECT WK, and it appears to be no longer in orbit according to the tracker you used. I also searched on Orbitrack, but it didn’t return any results.
I hope you get the opportunity to explore this with your learners in the coming year!
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Using the Heaven’s Above website I was able to identify the following satellites that have recently passed over Ireland. These include the Hubble Telescope which was launched into orbit in 1990. It can determine the atmospheric composition of planets around other stars. Also, many Starlink satellites pass over Ireland, there are over 8,000 in total and one of starlink’s satellites objectives is to provide global mobile broadband. TERRA (EOS AM-1) is a multi-national NASA scientific research satellite in a Sun-synchronous orbit around the Earth. It is also the flagship of the Earth Observing System (EOS). It’s name “TERRA” comes from the Latin word for Earth. The satellite was placed into a near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 705 km, with a 10:30am descending node. Also passing over Ireland is The International Space Station (ISS) is a large, habitable satellite orbiting Earth, serving as a space-based research laboratory and a platform for international collaboration. It’s a joint project of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. The ISS has been crucial for scientific research, technology development, and international cooperation in space.
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International Space Station (ISS) – It circles Earth around 16 times per day and is often spotted over Ireland, particularly in Kilkenny. It conducts observations on microgravity
Starlink satellites- Dozens of Starlink “trains” have been seen moving in straight lines across Irish skies. These are SpaceX’s internet‑providing satellites. The starlink provides broadband around Ireland
EIRSAT‑1- Ireland’s first domestically built CubeSat, launched in December 2023 to study gamma‑ray bursts, test thermal coatings, and demonstrate spacecraft attitude control technology. It was built by students in UCD
Copernicus Sentinel‑1C- A European Earth observation satellite that captured cloud‑free radar imagery of Ireland which monitors weather conditions
NovaSAR‑1- A synthetic-aperture radar satellite that’s used for mapping and environmental tracking. It monitors land use and changes in vegetation.It was really interesting to read how different satellites serve scientific research, education, global internet access, and environmental monitoring. I had always believed that satellites monitored the goings-on in space and the weather. I didn’t know that they monitored changes in landscape and the sea. I think children would be really interested to see how much the use of satellites are integrated into their daily lives.
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Hi Clodagh,
Thanks for sharing.
You’ve a wonderfully diverse list of examples of some of the movers in our skies above.
You make a great point, that many of us have a limited understanding of the uses of satellites, the scope extends far beyond what most of us can conceive, which makes for busy skies! Satellite tracking apps are a real eye-opener.
As you’ve likely noticed during this activity, there is a wealth of information available on what’s in orbit, including videos that may be useful as part of a class exploration of a satellite and its purpose.
I agree that children would be interested to see how much the use of satellites is integrated into their daily lives; it gives the lesson context and meaning. At the heart of a good STEM lesson is a connection to the real world.
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Hi Clodagh, this is a well-written and engaging response. You’ve clearly summarised the purpose of each satellite in a way that’s easy to understand, and your personal reflection adds a nice touch. It’s great that you highlighted how satellites do much more than just monitor space and weather—many people are surprised by how closely satellites are tied to everyday life. Your point about how children would find this fascinating is absolutely true; linking satellite technology to things they experience, like internet access or environmental changes, can really bring the topic to life in the classroom
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I recently tracked five satellites that passed over Ireland using a satellite tracking app. These included the International Space Station (ISS), EIRSAT-1, a Starlink satellite, a NOAA weather satellite, and a GPS satellite. The ISS is a large orbiting science laboratory where astronauts from around the world carry out research on microgravity, Earth observation, and technology development. EIRSAT-1 is Ireland’s first satellite, developed by students at University College Dublin. It carries experimental instruments and showcases Irish innovation in space technology. The Starlink satellite is part of SpaceX’s growing constellation that provides internet access globally, especially in remote areas. The NOAA weather satellite collects important data on weather patterns and climate, supporting forecasting and environmental monitoring. Lastly, the GPS satellite is part of a global navigation system that helps with positioning and timing, essential for everything from maps to mobile apps. These satellites highlight the wide range of roles space technology plays in our daily lives.
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Starlink 3322, Starlink 2696, Starlink 34172, Starlink 34421,Starlink 3931 are all currently over Ireland as I type.
The main purpose of these satellites, like others in the Starlink constellation, is to provide internet access to users on Earth.
They relays internet signals between ground stations and user terminals, enabling users to connect to the internet.Other satellites that have recently been over Ireland are the International Space Station (ISS) is frequently visible from Ireland several times per week and The NOAA weather satellite.
EO Pitch –
Earth Observation means using satellites to take pictures and gather data about our planet — from space. It helps us see what’s happening on Earth in real time, across land, oceans, and the atmosphere.Earth Observation helps us protect our planet, feed our people, and prepare for the future — using technology that watches over the world, from above.
How I would explain it to my class –
Earth Observation means using satellites to take pictures and gather data about our planet from space.It is like having a view of the entire world, 24/7. With this view, we can monitor pollution and climate change, spot wildfires/floods before they happen etc.
Nose High Up in the Sky is a practical and engaging resource. I explored the pupil activities myself. They offered engaging ways to learn about observing and measuring weather conditions. The sensory activities and hands-on elements make learning meaningful and easy to access for all students. . It effectively combines Many subjects like STEM, Maths, Language and SESE in an engaging and child friendly matter. Children are encouraged to observe, ask questions, and interpret data through a variety of ways. I’m actually finding it extremely fascinating and no doubt the children will to.
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I explored the Satellite Tracker tool also to see which satellites were currently passing over Ireland and found it fascinating to learn about their different purposes and origins. Some are still operational, while others may now be inactive or space debris.
AQUA – This NASA satellite collects data on Earth’s water cycle, including clouds, precipitation, and ocean temperature.
METOP-B – A European weather satellite that helps monitor atmospheric temperature and humidity.
TERRA – Another NASA satellite that studies Earth’s climate and environment by collecting data on vegetation, clouds, and pollution.
NOAA-19 – A weather satellite from the United States that tracks storms and provides important climate data.
FENGYUN 3C – A Chinese satellite used for weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.
This would be an engaging project for students to research satellite names, missions, and launch dates. They could create a class display or timeline to show how satellite technology has advanced and how it helps monitor our planet.-
Hi Deirdre
You have highlighted some satellites there that are doing important work monitoring the Earth’s weather and collecting data on vegetation, ocean and atmospheric conditions. There is no doubt that satellites are very useful for learning about the Earth and the damage we are doing to it and provide vital data that we can use to base decisions around. It is a great idea to have students study some of these satellites and create displays and timelines. However not all satellites serve a useful purpose and they can also constitute a big problem in themselves. You touched on the issue of space junk which is a big problem that can increase the possibility of collisions and interfere with the work of useful satellites and with studies of astronomy and this is also worth exploring with the children.
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I found the ESA resource ‘Nose High Up in The Sky’ to be an engaging and well-structured tool for teaching younger students about the atmosphere and weather phenomena. Completing the pupil activities helped me see how effectively the resource breaks down complex scientific concepts into simple, hands-on tasks suitable for primary pupils. I particularly liked the mix of observation, drawing, and discussion, which caters to different learning styles and keeps students actively involved. The activities encourage curiosity and critical thinking, and I appreciate how they link scientific knowledge to everyday experiences. I would definitely use this resource in my classroom because it supports inquiry-based learning and aligns well with the SESE curriculum. To enhance the lessons, I might add a follow-up outdoor observation activity where pupils can relate what they’ve learned to the sky above them. Overall, I feel this resource would make learning about the atmosphere both accessible and enjoyable for my students.
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EO Browser Elevator Pitch & Classroom Use
The EO Browser is an intuitive, web-based tool developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) that gives users free access to satellite imagery from missions like Sentinel and Landsat. With just a few clicks, users can observe changes on Earth’s surface in near real time, such as deforestation, urban development, or the effects of climate change. Imagine being able to zoom into any part of the planet and track seasonal changes, wildfires, floods, or even crop health using real satellite data.
In the classroom, I would use EO Browser to teach students about land use, weather patterns, and environmental changes. For example, we could track vegetation in our local area or compare ice coverage in the Arctic over time. It’s a brilliant way to bring STEM to life, spark curiosity, and help pupils understand how Earth observation supports climate science, geography, and decision-making across the globe
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Globalstar M068 It’s part of Globalstar’s network of satellites providing voice and data communication services, particularly in areas without traditional cellular coverage.
Kosmos 2434 is one of a set of three Russian military satellites launched in 2007 as part of the GLONASS satellite navigation system.
Starlink 1805 SpaceX* began launching Starlink satellites in 2019. As of May 2025, apparently the constellation consists of over 7,600! small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). (Spacex was founded by Elon Musk in 2002. Its primary goal is to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars. SpaceX is reputedly valued at $400 billion.)
OneWeb 0463, Oneweb formerly known as WorldVu, is a satellite constellation consisting of 648 microsatellites to provide world wide internet access for individual consumers and airlines.
COSMO-SkyMed 4:This is the fourth and final satellite launched as part of the original COSMO-SkyMed constellation. The system is used for both civilian and military purposes, including surveillance, emergency management, and monitoring environmental changes.
Space is a fascinating subject for children and adults alike. There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on earth. The solar system is the equivalent of one grain of sand. The earth/satellite system we’re exploring is about one millionth of that grain of sand.
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What an interesting selection of satellites — I love how you’ve included both their technical functions and some broader context. It really shows how diverse satellite usage is, from military navigation and emergency response to global internet access. The comparison at the end is such a powerful way to spark awe and perspective. I can imagine pupils being totally captivated by that idea — it’s a brilliant way to get them thinking about our place in the universe. Using facts like these in class would definitely bring the space topic to life and encourage big-picture thinking alongside science and technology learning.
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Nose High Up in the Sky’ is a really handy and fun resource for both teachers and kids. It covers important topics like air pollution, weather, and climate change in a way that’s easy to understand and really engaging. Kids get to explore the weather using their senses and some simple tools, which makes it feel hands-on and real.
There are loads of great activities – like looking at old weather sayings, making sensory observations, and even building a mini weather station to measure things like rain, wind, and temperature. It does a great job connecting everyday stuff with actual science tools, which really helps kids make sense of how weather works.
One of the most interesting parts is how it links space tech with environmental issues we face on Earth – like how satellites help monitor and protect the planet. It also ties in nicely with the SESE curriculum, especially geography, and helps build STEM skills, critical thinking, and a greater awareness of the environment.
Overall, it’s a great classroom resource if you’re teaching about weather, climate, or anything in this area.
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This sounds like a really good way to get kids interested in weather and climate. I love that it is hands on and shows how space technology relates to real environmental issues, making it a more fun, engaging way to learn about this topic. It also corresponds with the curriculum and helps build STEM skills, it is definitely something I will look into for my lessons.
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Hi Brenda
I am glad that you like the classroom resource Nose High Up in the Sky, it provides for lots of learning opportunities to make connections with real life such as building their own weather station. Personally, I have loved exploring weather proverbs and weather lore with my class to link with older generations of their families and make links to local history too or explore proverbs from different areas of the country too.
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Breda I do agree that it is a great resource for pupils to engage in learning about climate change. I love how they integrate the Space technology with environmental issues. The pupils would be highly engaged in tracking satellites and identify what each satellite is used for. Pupils could complete projects on a particular satellite and design and make their own one. So much scope for learning!
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Using the Satellite Tracker app, I identified five satellites that recently passed over Ireland:
International Space Station (ISS) – Orbits the Earth roughly every 90 minutes. It’s easily visible with the naked eye and is used for international scientific research.
AQUA – A NASA Earth-observing satellite that gathers information about the water cycle, including oceans, clouds, and ice cover.
Starlink Group 9-3 – Part of SpaceX’s satellite internet network. These often appear in a straight line, like a moving train in the sky.
NOAA-20 – A weather satellite that helps monitor atmospheric conditions and supports weather forecasting.
Hubble Space Telescope – Famous for capturing deep-space images, it orbits outside Earth’s atmosphere to avoid distortion from air and light pollution.
I found this activity really engaging and think it would be a great cross-curricular link between Science, Geography, and ICT. Pupils would love tracking satellites live and learning about their different functions.
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Please see below five satellites that passed over Ireland lately:
1. ISS :This is one of the most well-known ones. It’s about the size of a football field, orbits Earth every 90 minutes, and carries astronauts doing experiments in microgravity. It is very bright, easy to spot.
2. Black Knight : It is said to be likely an old piece of space hardware or debris that’s still in orbitIt doesn’t have much purpose now but it’s trackable.
3. Starlink-1481 : Part of SpaceX’s satellite internet network. Helps provide broadband to rural and remote areas.
4. Starlink-1526 : Another Starlink from the same launch batch. These low Earth orbit satellites work together to beam internet across the globe.
5. Starlink-32576 : Yet another Starlink and apparently when several pass in a row, you get that “satellite train” effect.
Satellite Tracker is a great app where you can catch all of them with exact timings.-
I found your points so interesting—thanks for sharing! I didn’t realise there were so many satellites passing over Ireland recently, and I love how clearly you explained each one. The comparison of the ISS to a football field really puts its size into perspective, and the “satellite train” effect from the Starlinks sounds fascinating—I’d love to see that!
I’ll definitely check out the Satellite Tracker app you mentioned. It’s such a great way to bring space learning to life and would be brilliant to use with pupils, too.
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I downloaded the Satellite Tracker Sky Walk. I never realised how many satellites were operating and the multitudes of purposes that they are used for. I really enjoyed this module and am looking forward to sharing what I have learned with my class
SL‑8R/B (rocket body)
SL‑8 R/B is not an operational satellite but a spent Soviet/Russian Kosmos‑launch rocket stage launched in 1968/1971/1993 (various objects), now tracked as debris in low Earth orbit .It serves no active mission but poses orbital debris risk.USA 81
Launched 25 April 1992 aboard a Titan II from Vandenberg, USA 81 (NORAD 21949) is a U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) signals‑intelligence satellite in LEO. Its purpose is to intercept and analyse electronic communications for military intelligence.Cosmos 2219
Launched 17 November 1992 via a Russian Zenit‑2 from Baikonur, Cosmos 2219 (NORAD 22219) is part of the Russian Tselina‑2 ELINT satellite system. Its mission is electronic and signals intelligence gathering – detecting, locating and characterizing radio emitters.COSMO‑SkyMed 1 (SKYMED 1)
COSMO‑SkyMed 1, launched 8 June 2007, is an Italian Earth observation satellite operated by ASI/ministry of defence, using X‑band synthetic aperture radar in sun‑synchronous. Its mission supports dual‑use applications: environmental monitoring, disaster response, surveillance, maritime and topographical mapping, civil and military. -
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Satellites over Ireland
Starlink Train’ (SpaceX): A series of bright satellites that pass over Ireland around dusk. These satellites provide global broadband internet and are often seen moving in a straight line.
International Space Station (ISS): This satellite regularly passes over Ireland, appearing as a bright, fast-moving object. It functions as a space-based laboratory in low Earth orbit.
NOAA Satellite (NOAA-15): A weather-monitoring satellite that collects and broadcasts atmospheric data. It frequently passes over Ireland and can be tracked using simple radio equipment.
EIRSAT-1: Ireland’s first satellite, operated by University College Dublin. It carries out scientific experiments and represents a major step in Irish space research.
Astra 1P (SES-24): A modern satellite positioned in geostationary orbit. It provides TV and data services across Europe, including Ireland. Unlike others, it remains fixed in the sky.
I never paid much attention to satellites above Ireland – I usually just look for stars. But after completing this assignment, I am now genuinely curious to learn more about them, and I look forward to exploring this topic further with my pupils.
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Communication, navigation, military and scientific are among the many reasons the Earth’s orbit is becoming overcrowded with satellites. It’s amazing how many are in circulation.
Starlink is a well known name and there are many in orbit. According to astronomy Ireland, they are the vermin of the sky. They help to provide high speed internet access and also have been used in a military capacity to relay data and communicate in areas that are challenging for alternative means.
The ISS is the most well known satellite orbiting the earth. It’s primary function is in space research.
Eirsat 1 is Ireland’s first satellite. It studys gamma ray bursts in space as well as testing thermal coastings developed for satellites. It was developed in UCD.
RANGE -A this satellite launched in December 2018 is used for amature radio.
PISat is a satellite built with the purpose of giving its creators hands on experience building satellites. Its function is to observe the earth and create accurate images.
Meteosat 8 is a satellite with the main purpose of observing the weather. It is no longer functioning and has been moved higher to prevent it from colliding with other satellites. This is called a graveyard orbit, who’d have known!
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This has been a fascinating module to study. Mark, I agree with your comment about satellites. Satellites advance research by enabling global communication, environmental monitoring, climate studies, and disaster prediction. They support space exploration and scientific data collection. However, increasing satellite numbers risk overcrowding Earth’s orbit, leading to space debris, collision hazards, and signal interference, which could threaten both scientific missions and long-term orbital sustainability.
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I chose Assignment 3: Nose High Up in the Sky and completed the three tasks myself—Talking about Weather, Sensing the Weather, and Building Your Weather Station.
I found this to be an excellent and highly practical resource. From a teaching perspective, it’s easy to implement and provides plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. The activities naturally incorporate a range of STEM skills, and the accompanying worksheets are clear, visually appealing, and not overly cluttered—something I really appreciated.
I particularly liked the use of weather proverbs. They’re a clever way to make the content memorable for children, and given how often we talk about the weather in Ireland, it’s a very relevant and engaging topic for them to explore.
I would love to use these lessons as part of a whole-school initiative. We could work together as a school community to set up a weather station and link it into both our Wellbeing and Green Schools programmes, giving the project an even greater sense of purpose and connection.
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Nose High Up In the Sky
I explored the activities in the ESA lesson resource Nose High Up in the Sky. I found the lesson activities to be very engaging, with lots of new learning. For students while affording the opportunity to work in a variety of group or pair work settings.
Activity One – Exploring Proverbs. I think this is an excellent introductory lesson for the topic. It really allows for topic based learning with many opportunities to integrate into other subject areas. You could link the activity with history – exploring old proverbs, discussing with parents and grandparents. You could also link with art, designing and create posters for accompanying proverbs. This activity could then be extended with the use of IT, students could create digital posters for proverbs. There is also an opportunity to extend this lesson to Gaeilge, exploring Irish based weather proverbs. This lesson activity is one I look forward to using with my class group this year as I really like the integration based learning opportunities it creates.
Activity 2 – Sensing the Weather. I really like this lesson as it draws students attention to the environment around them. It encourages them to pause and take stock of their surroundings, something many of us do not do in the busy school environment.
Scoot the 3 – Building a Weather Station. I think this lesson builds on the prior learning from the previous activities, the students should have a good awareness of the topic at this point and the different aspects of weather they want to explore and record In their environment. I think the students would engage really well when creating their own weather station and would enjoy retrieving and recording the data on a daily basis. This lesson also lends itself to integration with the formulation of graphs to display data recorded, using skills learned in Maths. Again some students may wish to record the data using IT, creating graphs on different softwares.
Overall I feel these lesson activities are well planned, stimulating and engaging. I am looking forward to using them in the coming school year.
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I used the website Satellite Tracker 3D to spot the satellites over Ireland. It is incredible to see the amount of satellites orbiting the earth that we wouldn’t be aware of. Some of satellites I spotted are:
Object H 16/20 launched in 2017 China and does not give operational details and some sites stating that it is decayed.
Lemur 2 Rochinate launched by the US in 2024 giving global shipping and weather monitoring.
Sentry launched by the US in 2024 is used to monitor airfields and ports.
Cosmos 2350 was launched by Russia in 1998 but is inactive, it was used as a military command and control centre.
Kyokko launched by Japan in 1978 and is inactive, it was used to study aurora borealis, the ionosphere, and the magnetosphere. -
Having looked at the Nose Up High in the Sky ESA resource, I’m very impressed with it. It is very engaging and hands on for the children. The worksheets are clear, well-structured and very child-friendly, which makes it easy for students to follow the activities.
One of the things I particularly like about this resource is how well it integrates with the subjects Science, Geography and Maths. I could definitely see myself using it when teaching about weather and climate with my 3rd class in the coming school year.Of the three activities, I particularly liked Activity 2 Sensing the Weather as it encourages students to actively observe and describe weather elements like wind, rain and temperature, using their own senses. I also really enjoyed activity 3 Building a Weather Station, which I think is a fantastic hands on activity that the students will love to participate in. They will enjoy learning through making but also it links strongly with Maths through measuring and gathering data. Overall, I think this is a brilliant resource.
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I downloaded the Orbitrack App think it was €6.99.
Its very easy to use lots of little extras children would love it. I had no idea of the vast number of satellites its insane .I will definitely use it at night to spot and name satellites and see what their purpose is.
I have spent a bit of time checking out a few parts of the world and what satellites are going through there .Its great the way the app has all the info about each satellite at the touch of a button.1.OBJECT G not identified as a single satellite but an object released by a spaceplane during a mission. The spaceplane uses these objects to test its ability to rendezvous and perform proximity operations crucial for satellite servicing. Its from China.
2.Meteor- M2 3 is a Russian weather satellite launched on June 27 2023 on a Soyuz-2 rocket. It is designed for operational meteorology and transmitting images of Earth.
3.56 MICHAEL-FREICH SENTINEL-6 This satellite has been in orbit for over 4 years. It was designed to measure the height of the ocean helping to understand how Earths climate is changing.
4.OSCAR 15 is a satellite developed by the University of Surrey used for high resolution land observation and disaster monitoring.
5.SNAP 3 EDDIE is a 3U cubesat part of the US army’s nano satellite programme.It was launched on October 8 2015.Its mission is to demonstrate beyond line of sight communication capabilities for tactical users, using software defined radios. Its very small and weighs only 5.5kg.
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I downloaded the Orbitrack App think it was €6.99.
Its very easy to use lots of little extras children would love it. I had no idea of the vast number of satellites its insane .I will definitely use it at night to spot and name satellites and see what their purpose is.
I have spent a bit of time checking out a few parts of the world and what satellites are going through there .Its great the way the app has all the info about each satellite at the touch of a button.The five satellites I tracked are underneath
1.OBJECT G not identified as a single satellite but an object released by a spaceplane during a mission. The spaceplane uses these objects to test its ability to rendezvous and perform proximity operations crucial for satellite servicing. Its from China.
2.Meteor- M2 3 is a Russian weather satellite launched on June 27 2023 on a Soyuz-2 rocket. It is designed for operational meteorology and transmitting images of Earth.
3.56 MICHAEL-FREICH SENTINEL-6 This satellite has been in orbit for over 4 years. It was designed to measure the height of the ocean helping to understand how Earths climate is changing.
4.OSCAR 15 is a satellite developed by the University of Surrey used for high resolution land observation and disaster monitoring.
5.SNAP 3 EDDIE is a 3U cubesat part of the US army’s nano satellite programme.It was launched on October 8 2015.Its mission is to demonstrate beyond line of sight communication capabilities for tactical users, using software defined radios. Its very small and weighs only 5.5kg.
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I downloaded the Orbitrack App think it was €6.99.
Its very easy to use lots of little extras children would love it. I had no idea of the vast number of satellites its insane .I will definitely use it at night to spot and name satellites and see what their purpose is.
I have spent a bit of time checking out a few parts of the world and what satellites are going through there .Its great the way the app has all the info about each satellite at the touch of a button.The five satellites I tracked are underneath
1.OBJECT G not identified as a single satellite but an object released by a spaceplane during a mission. The spaceplane uses these objects to test its ability to rendezvous and perform proximity operations crucial for satellite servicing. Its from China.
2.Meteor- M2 3 is a Russian weather satellite launched on June 27 2023 on a Soyuz-2 rocket. It is designed for operational meteorology and transmitting images of Earth.
3.56 MICHAEL-FREICH SENTINEL-6 This satellite has been in orbit for over 4 years. It was designed to measure the height of the ocean helping to understand how Earths climate is changing.
4.OSCAR 15 is a satellite developed by the University of Surrey used for high resolution land observation and disaster monitoring.
5.SNAP 3 EDDIE is a 3U Cubesat part of the US army’s nano satellite programme . It was launched on October 8 2015.Its mission is to demonstrate beyond line of sight communication capabilities for tactical users, using software defined radios. Its very small and weighs only 5.5kg.
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I completed assignment option 3 ‘ESA Resource ‘ Nose High Up in The Sky’. I found this resource very informative and think it would be very useful in the classroom. I think that activity 1 regarding the old proverbs and the climate and weather science behind them is a really engaging and entertaining introduction to the topic which would help them to remember the content in a fun way while also encouraging science based discussions. Activity 2 was helpful in enabling the children to link real life context (their senses) to scientific gauges of weather and climate (wind, rain temperature and clouds). It is also interactive and individual understanding which I liked and found accessible to all levels of ability in the class. I really liked activity 3 also as it enables children to be in charge of their own learning at each step in an active way. I also liked the idea of the ‘weather diary’ to enable them to follow through with their investigation and come to a learning conclusion.I would definitely use this resource in my classroom as it had differentiation for all ages and abilities which makes it really adaptable to the real life classroom context. I would use it exactly as laid out as I think it was informative, active, engaging, accessible and can be tweaked where needed with guidance on where to do so.
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Hi Andrea,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the resource Nose High Up in the Sky. I agree that there are lots of options in these lessons to ensure they are accessible to all levels.
My own class have really enjoyed exploring weather proverbs from older relatives. It is a great opportunity to link with the lives of people in History and look at weather lore specific to the local area.
I agree that this lesson also encourages pupils to take responsibility for their own learning and allows for lots of skills development too.
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I thought ‘Nose High Up in the Sky’ was a really good and interesting resource for teachers and pupils. The activities focus on important topics like air pollution, weather, and climate change. They get kids to explore weather using their senses and simple tools. The children look at weather sayings, make their own observations, and build a simple weather station to measure rain, wind, and temperature. This helps connect what they see every day with science and helps them understand weather better.
I tried the activities myself and found them hands-on and easy to follow. They encourage children to watch carefully, ask questions, and make sense of the information by drawing and talking. This makes tricky ideas about space science easier to understand.
The resource also shows how space technology connects to the environment and how satellites help protect the Earth. It fits well with other subjects like geography and helps build STEM skills, thinking skills, and care for the environment. It’s a great resource to use in class.
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I used the Satellite Tracker 3D website to view satellites passing over Ireland. It’s fascinating to see how many satellites are orbiting Earth—most of which we’re unaware of. The children in my class would really enjoy this activity and I think it would be a fantastic resource for exploring this topic.
The examples I found include:
Object H 16/20 – Launched by China in 2017. Its purpose is unclear, and some sources report it has decayed.
Lemur 2 Rochinate – Launched by the US in 2024. Used for global shipping and weather monitoring.
Sentry – Launched by the US in 2024. Monitors airfields and ports.
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1. Starlink Satellite Trains
These were launched to provide global broadband internet via thousands of small satellites.
2. EIRSAT-1
It’s a UCD-built CubeSat carrying three experiments:
GMOD – a gamma-ray burst detector
EMOD – a test for thermal surface coatings
WBC – a new wave-based control mechanism for satellite orientation3. International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS conducts scientific research and technology demonstrations in low Earth orbit while orbiting Earth approximately 16 times per day.
4. Starlink
these are Starlink satellites entering and deploying into their orbits to expand internet coverage globally.
5. NOAA-15, -18, and -19
These NOAA satellites, frequently observed passing overhead in Ireland, circle Earth in polar orbits, enabling full global coverage over time. They transmit live weather data—including atmospheric and temperature readings—which can be received and decoded using amateur radio equipment.
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1. Starlink satellites
They are part of SpaceX’s large constellation in low Earth orbit aimed at delivering high-speed, low-latency internet service globally2. International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS functions as a multinational orbiting laboratory, conducting experiments in microgravity across fields like space medicine, materials science3. EIRSAT-1 (Educational Irish Research Satellite-1)
Educational development of Irish higher-education and industry (training, skills, and collaboration);
Scientific and technology demonstration, via three onboard payloads4. Astra 1P (SES-24)
It provides direct-to-home TV broadcast services across Europe—covering German, French, Spanish, and other markets
5. NOAA-15, NOAA-18, and NOAA-19 (Weather Satellites)
These are Earth-observing weather satellites operated by NOAA (the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). -
1. METEOSAT-11 geostationary satellite. This satellite scans the Earth, including Ireland, every 15 minutes, providing infrared and rainfall radar images.
2. Sentinel-2 L2A satellite also provides imagery of Ireland, according to EOS Data Analytics.
3.Astra 1P (SES-24) It provides direct-to-home TV broadcast services across Europe—covering German, French, Spanish, and other markets
4.Starlink. These are Starlink satellites entering and deploying into their orbits to expand internet coverage globally.
5.NOAA-15, NOAA-18, and NOAA-19 (Weather Satellites) These are Earth-observing weather satellites operated by NOAA.
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The pupil activities included within the ESA resource ‘Nose High Up in The Sky’ are engaging, collaborative and hands-on providing. The plans included within each activity are comprehensive and provide excellent support to teachers teaching about space. A number of activities within this pack stood out. One such activity was Activity 3 which outlines the procedure of building weather stations. Within this activity, the children work collaboratively to build different weather instruments to record air temperature, wind speed and rain. I particularly liked this activity within the ESA resource as it supports hands-on learning, providing the children with an opportunity to build an anemometer and rain gauge. This form of space would help the children to understand real-life processes and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As this is a resource I was unfamiliar with prior to engaging with the course, I would be very keen to use it in the classroom in order to inform my own planning in the area.
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The ESA resource ‘Nose High Up in The Sky’ is a great find. It’s wonderful when educational materials are not only comprehensive but also genuinely engaging for students.
The weather station activity sounds particularly brilliant. It’s a perfect example of how hands-on, collaborative projects can make abstract concepts like weather and space science tangible and exciting. Getting to build instruments like an anemometer and a rain gauge gives students a real-world connection to the material, fostering a deeper understanding and developing essential skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. It’s an excellent resource for any teacher looking to make their space science lessons more impactful.
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I chose assignment 3, ‘Nose High Up in The Sky’.
There are three activities:
• Talking about weather
• Sensing the Weather
• Build Your Weather StationI thought that this was a great, hands-on, engaging resource and very practical. A lot of STEM skills would be used for these activities. I found the activity sheets to be nicely presented and easy to follow. Children are encouraged to observe, discuss, ask questions, and interpret data. There are so many opportunities to learn and have fun.
I thought using weather proverbs was a really clever idea. The children would enjoy them and remember them easily. Since we talk about the weather so much in Ireland, this would be a fun and useful topic for them to learn about. It also shows that we don’t always need technology to understand the weather. There are lots of signs all around us in nature that can tell us what’s coming. I really enjoyed hearing the proverbs and learning what they mean. Weather is such a big topic in Ireland, so this fits in really well.
I really enjoyed the simplicity of the Sensing the Weather activity sheet. It is so relevant to the children and simple to understand. The children use their own senses to observe the weather.
In the activity Build your Weather Station there are so many opportunities to get creative and be hands-on all the while exploring ways of doing things. I think the children would love planning and developing theses simple instruments and then using them in their very own Weather Station. The children would have so much fun seeing the results using the instruments which they made themselves.I look forward to using this resource in my classroom.
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I really enjoyed the From the Ground and From the Sky activities because they made me look at familiar places in a completely new way. Matching the photos taken from the ground, the ISS, and satellites was like piecing together a puzzle: the same location, but with totally different perspectives. It was fascinating to see how much detail you can spot from the ground compared to the “big picture” you get from space. The Rome photos, one taken in daylight on the ground and one from space at night, were especially striking. They really showed how each viewpoint has its own strengths.
If I used this with my class, I’d make it a team challenge where pupils work together to match the images and share what they notice. I think they’d love the visual element and the chance to see the Earth like astronauts do. It’s a great way to build curiosity and awareness about our planet.
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TO a colleague I would explain that EO Browser is a free website where you can explore satellite images of anywhere in the world. You can see places as they look in real life or use special views that highlight things like plant growth, snow, or water quality. It’s very straightforward to use, you choose a place, pick the dates you want, and select how you want the images to be shown. You can even compare pictures from different times or make a short timelapse to see changes over months or years.
In the classroom, I would start by looking at our local area from above. We could compare how it looks in different seasons, spot any changes over time, or explore events like floods. Pupils culd work in small groups to choose an area, save images, and share what they find. This brings geography and science to life and helps them see real-world changes happening around them.
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I chose assignment 1 and I used a satellite tracker website. Here are 5 satellites that have passed Ireland recently and what they are doing:
1. PNE03- Pléiades Neo is a very high resolution Earth observation satellite constellation developed by Airbus Defence & Space. It utilizes Tesat Spacecom laser communication relay terminals to transfer data via the European Data Relay System (EDRS), enabling near-real time access to images and high volume data transfer.
2. COSMOS 1393- This is used as a simple store-dump repeater which are particularly useful in relaying traffic between the Russian Federation and overseas stations or forces.
3. STARLINK 11259- this satellite’s primary mission is to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet access to users worldwide, especially in remote and underserved areas where traditional internet infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
4. UNICORN 2M- Its primary mission involves Earth observation, specifically providing high-resolution imagery, including at night, to track phenomena such as light pollution, urbanization patterns, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy usage from space.
5. PHISAT 2- This satellite will host a multispectral Imager and six AI applications designed to turn images into maps, detect clouds in the images, classify them and provide insight into cloud distribution, detect and classify vessels, compress images on board and reconstruct them in the ground reducing the download time, spot anomalies in marine ecosystems and do wildfire detection.
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This is really interesting Laura. I also used a satellite tracking website but you seem to have figured out what each satellite was specifically working to do. This would be very interesting for the children and I’d love to know how you managed to get this info. I could get specifics about the satellite (country of origin etc.) but not the data it was collecting.
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I think that the resources from ‘Nose High Up in the Sky’ are fantastic. They really approach topics like weather and the environment in really hands on ways. From having a look through the activities I think that they would be a great way to introduce the children to the observing and measuring of weather conditions. I like how accessible this is for children. It is a great way to make them aware of concerns about the environment while also allowing them to see how satellites help and protect our planet. I think this is something that the children in my school would find very interesting. I will definitely make use of this in my teaching. The nature of the activities is very interactive which will help consolidate the children’s learning. This is very important. Especially with such a complex topic like this!
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Hi Donna,
Thanks for sharing. Weather is such a conversation starter here in Ireland, and yet there is so much that most of us don’t know about it. The Nose High Up in the Sky resources are a great way to engage learners, explore concepts, and even build and monitor their own weather station.
I am delighted to see that you plan on making use of these resources in the classroom. As you say, the nature of the activities is very interactive. For a complex topic like this, it is so important to get a foundational understanding of terms and build from there. The weather station is a great opportunity for learners to take responsibility for the daily task of observing and recording data, so many math opportunities with the data output too!
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I used the website Satellite Tracker 3D.
List of 5 satellites that have passed over Ireland recently:
Starlink – 4162: This satellite’s country of origin is the United States. It was launched in 2022. Its satellite type is a payload. Its orbital period is one hour and 35 minutes. Its orbital path is right through the midline of Ireland.
Starlink – 34307: This satellite’s country of origin is the United States. It was launched in 2022. Its satellite type is a payload. Its orbital period is one hour and 33 minutes and it travels at a speed of 27,587 km/hr. Its orbital path is through the south of Ireland.
Essa 1: This satellite’s country of origin is the United States. It was launched in 1966 and is currently inactive. Its orbital period is one hour and 39 minutes.
Centispace 1-S10: This satellite’s country of origin is The People’s Republic of China. It was launched in January of this year. Its orbital period is one hour and 38 minutes.
Cosmos-413: This satellite was launched by the Commonwealth of Independent States. It was launched in 1971. Its satellite type is a payload. Its orbital period is one hour and 55 minutes and it travels at a speed of 25,580km/hr. Its orbital path is diagonally through Ireland, starting in the North West and ending in the South East.Satellites are useful for a number of reasons. They help to collect data which provides more knowledge about the earth. This can help with decision making with regards to navigation, preparation for natural disasters, information for aviation and navigation.
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5 satellites that has passed over Ireland recently:
1-Starlink Satellite constellation. This is owned by Space X and its purpose is to provide internet access.
2-Meteosat-11 This satellite scans Ireland every 15 minutes to take infrared images for weather forecasting.
3-Eirsat-1 This satellite conducts scientific experiments and educational outreach.
4-International Space Station (ISS). This habitable space station conducts research, hosts astronauts on board and orbits earth collecting data. It passed by Ireland today.
5- Cooper 00065. This satellite is owned by Amazon and provides global broadband internet access.This was a really interesting task and I was amazed to see the sheer volume of satellites in space all at once. I think that this would be a fantastic classroom activity. The children could monitor the course of satellites over a duration of time. Its important for them to recognise the diverse work they are doing up in space, providing services, collecting data and ultimately keeping a watchful eye over our planet.
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I really like the activity ‘Nose High Up in The Sky’.
I like the link with English proverbs and as I teach in a Gaelscoil I think this could be further extended to proverbs or terminology around the weather in Irish. I think great fun could be had listing out all the different words we use to describe the weather in Ireland.
I think the ‘sensing the weather’ activity could be extended by having the pupils present the weather forecast as if they are on TV, to whatever level is appropriate to their age. For example sixth class which I teach might refer to pressure and fronts.
Finally I really like the tasks requiring the children to measure the weather. I would be tempted to let them create their own anemometers without showing any examples. This would really engage their engineering skills and invest them in a process of trial and error.
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I used the Satellite Tracker app to see which satellites had recently passed over Ireland and found five interesting ones:
International Space Station (ISS) – orbits the Earth every 90 minutes and is often the brightest object in the sky.
Starlink satellites – part of SpaceX’s project to provide internet around the world; they often travel in a line across the sky.
TERRA – an Earth observation satellite that collects climate and environmental data.
Hubble Space Telescope – looks at distant galaxies and space, sometimes visible just after sunset or before sunrise.
NOSS satellites – U.S. satellites used for naval and signal tracking, usually seen in groups.
It was really interesting to watch these satellites move over Ireland in real-time. I think children would really enjoy this activity because it makes space science feel real and connects it to geography and technology. Students could track satellites themselves and learn about what they do, which would be a fun and hands-on way to explore the subject. -
I used the Satellite tracker app. The five most recent satellites that passed are:
1. Cosmos 2428- isalso known as Tselina, is a Russian Military spacecraft that was launched by a Zenit-2M rocket from Baikonur at 10:00 UT on 29 June 2007.
2. SL- 16 R/B- refers to a rocket body, specifically the upper stage of the Zenit-2 launch vehicle, that is in orbit around the Earth. It is often tracked as space debris or a defunct satellite. The “R/B” designation stands for “rocket body”.
3.Aqua (EOS PM-1) – is a NASA scientific research satellite in orbit around the Earth, studying the precipitation, evaporation, and cycling of water.
4. Starlink 34788- Starlink is a network consisting of thousands of small satellites. Its goal is to provide fast reliable global access to the internet. These satellites communicate with ground stations, transmitting internet data at speeds greater than 1 gigabit per second. This will give areas with poor telecommunications infrastructure access to high-speed internet.
5. Astex 1- was primarily designed to test advanced space technology and payloads for the US Air Force. Key experiments included a celestial mapping infrared scanner, a closed-loop radiator and pump cooler, and a 4.57-meter flexible roll-up solar array.
It was interesting to track and see what satellites were passing Ireland and to identify what these satellites are used for. I believe pupils would have great enthusiasm for a similar satellite activity/project.
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Visible Satellite Passes Over Ireland
International Space Station (ISS)The ISS is one of the easiest satellites to spot—visible to the naked eye and often very bright, sometimes outshining the brightest stars.
It typically makes multiple passes per night, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes.
For example, one recent sighting was predicted between 6:01 pm and 6:07 pm, visible across much of Ireland.
Another evening pass was forecast between 8:42 pm and 8:47 pm, entering from the west and exiting southeast.
Observers across Ireland often share sightings on forums like Reddit:
“As a distraction… the ISS has been passing over Ireland regularly this week … It moves steadily and quickly … west to east…”
RedditStarlink Satellite “Trains”
Starlink satellites, part of SpaceX’s internet constellation, often appear as dazzling lines of lights racing across the sky.
These “satellite trains” are most visible shortly after launch when the satellites are still close together.
astronomy.ieIn recent months, skywatchers in Dublin and elsewhere reported seeing these chains of lights, sometimes mistaken for UFOs:
“Galway people have been left baffled … glowing figures ‘moving perfectly in a straight line’ … Alan O’Reilly … said: ‘These are the Starlink satellites moving overhead…’”
“They are Starlink Satellites being launched into the sky. So cool to see.”
Reddit3. Other Satellite Flares and Passes
Some satellites, particularly Iridium communications satellites, can produce bright, brief flares by reflecting sunlight—also known as “satellite glints.”
For enthusiasts, these fleeting flashes are fascinating but require precise timing to catch.
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List 5 satellites that have passed Ireland recently.
1. International Space Station: This is a satellite that passes over Ireland frequently. I have tracked this satellite before with a class when we were exploring the ISS through our English reader. They were very interested to know about how astronauts lived there. It is often visible from Earth.
2. Starlink satellites: These are satellites used to provide internet access worldwide and people may be familiar with these when gaining internet access in their homes.
3. Eirsat-1: This satellite was made in Ireland and its aim was to encourage students to undertake studies in space science and technology and promote a career in space. It launched in December 2023.
4. NOAA-19: This is used for weather forecasting.
5. Hubble Telescope: I had heard of this before and have often seen images of it. It is used to take images of space and Earth alike to aid scientists in their studies of the universe. -
I used the Satellite Tracker App which I really enjoyed exploring and can see how the children would love looking at satellites passing overhead. It was so interesting to see the different satellites and their uses.
ISS – International Space Station. This was the one I was most familiar with beforehand and have often gone outside to watch it pass overhead when visible. It orbits the earth every 90 minutes.
Starlink – Created by Space X, there are now thousands of these in orbit. They travel in lines, sometimes looking like a “train of lights” in the night sky. Its main purpose is to provide high speed internet access anywhere in the world.
Genesis II – This is a now retired experimental space habitat designed by a private American firm, Bigelow Aerospace. It was retired when its avionics system stopped working and continues to orbit the earth.
SKYMED 1 – This an earth observation satellite radar system funded by the Italian Ministry of Research and Ministry of Defense and conducted by the Italian Space Agency. It takes detailed pictures of earth and has many uses, such as monitoring natural disasters, environmental observation, supporting planning and defense needs.
Envisat – This is a large earth observing satellite, operated by the European Space Agency, and is one of the most powerful environmental satellites ever built. In 2012 ESA lost contact with it and it now orbits the earth as space debris. -
I downloaded the Satellite Tracker app
My first observation was the number of satellites that due to orbit above Ireland in the next 20 hours was quite surprising (that there are so many). Here are some that I researched.
Cosmos 1933 – Cosmos 1933 was a Soviet ELINT (Electronic and Signals Intelligence) satellite launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in March 1988.
Terra – Approximately the size of a small school bus, the Terra satellite carries five instruments that take coincident measurements of the Earth system: -Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) – Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) -Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) – Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) – Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)
It orbits the earth every 99 minutes, 14 per day. It is 785km above the Earth’s surface.
Meteor Priroda – launched by Russia in July 1981 at TYURATAM MISSILE AND SPACE COMPLEX (TTMTR). The Meteor satellites were designed to monitor atmospheric and sea-surface temperatures, humidity, radiation, sea ice conditions, snow-cover, and clouds.
Saocom1-A – launched in October 2018. The SAOCOM requirements call for a capability to provide timely information in support of natural and anthropogenic disaster management (such as regional flooding, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, forest fires, etc.), and to conduct monitoring services for agriculture, mining and ocean applications – including monitoring surveys of Antarctica (study of continental glacier evolution, global change indicators, etc.). The goal is to obtain data with high-quality radiometric and geometric accuracy (e.g. natural resources identification, interferometry, glaciology), and to provide also high revisit frequencies (daily) in support of specific operational requirements.
ALOS 2 – launched in May 2014 by Japan. ALOS-2 is the follow-on JAXA L-SAR satellite mission of ALOS (Daichi) approved by the Japanese government in late 2008. The overall objective is to provide data continuity to be used for cartography, regional observation, disaster monitoring, and environmental monitoring.
I also found other satellites that still orbit Earth but are no longer functional. It is amazing to know there are so many satellites contributing to providing valuable information.
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Assignment 3
Having conducted the activities from Nose Up High in the Sky ESA. I found the activities to be engaging t such as looking at pictures on Earth and those taken from space. asThe worksheets are well-designed, clear, and child-friendly, which makes it simple for students also.
I think Activity One is a great starting point for a discussion looking at the different images as it would engage and grab their attention. There is also opportunity here to integrate with art as part of these lessons and perhaps draw their own interpretation of what they have seen in these pictures. I can definitely see myself using it when teaching my 4th class about weather and climate in the upcoming school year.
There is also huge potential for Oral language development and groupwork in Activity 3 with the sentence starters and compare and contrast photos for Earth and space,
Overall a useful, practical resource that doesn’t require a lot of resources. -
Assignment 3
Having conducted the activities from Nose Up High in the Sky ESA. I found the activities to be engaging t such as looking at pictures on Earth and those taken from space. asThe worksheets are well-designed, clear, and child-friendly, which makes it simple for students also.
I think Activity One is a great starting point for a discussion looking at the different images as it would engage and grab their attention. There is also opportunity here to integrate with art as part of these lessons and perhaps draw their own interpretation of what they have seen in these pictures. I can definitely see myself using it when teaching my 4th class about weather and climate in the upcoming school year.
There is also huge potential for Oral language development and groupwork in Activity 3 with the sentence starters and compare and contrast photos for Earth and space,
Overall a useful, practical resource that doesn’t require a lot of resources. -
I really enjoyed doing option 1 where I tracked some satellites using the Satellite Chasers app. I really liked this one as it was free (so far at least!) and they have different types of satellite in different colours. It is very easy to use and I can see the students loving this as much as tracking flights that pass over our school!
ONEWEB-2033: this satellite is part of a constellation of 648 microsatellites that help provide world wide internet access for individual consumers and airlines. Orbit is 1200km. Launched 28/05/2023.
STARLINK-32411: low earth orbit constellation to provide broadband internet access.
LEMUR 2 Deloitte-1: Launched 15/03/2025. Altitude 593km. Low earth orbiting satellites built by Spire. They help with meteorology and ship traffic tracking.
FIRESAT0: launched 15/03/2025. This is the first FireSat Protoflight satellite to pave the way for the deployment of the FirstSat constellation which aims to transform global wildfire detection, monitoring and response.
CZ-6A DEB: launched 06/08/2024. Altitude 815km. This is classified as debris (anything over 10cm in diameter). Could be discarded launch components, fragments of degrading satellites or possibly refuse from orbital collisions.
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1. EIRSAT-1 (Ireland’s First Satellite)
Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1, was launched on December 1, 2023. Built at University College Dublin, this small CubeSat carries a gamma-ray detector, surface thermal experiments, and an innovative magnetic attitude control system. Now in sun-synchronous orbit, it is returning valuable scientific data and marks a milestone for Ireland in space research.2. Starlink Satellites (SpaceX)
Often appearing as a “train” of lights across the evening sky, SpaceX’s Starlink satellites can be seen shortly after launch before they gradually spread out across orbit. They are part of a massive satellite constellation designed to provide broadband internet worldwide, and are most visible when sunlight reflects from their surfaces at dawn or dusk.3. NovaSAR-1 (SSTL)
This radar-imaging satellite has recently completed several passes over Ireland, producing high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) maps. NovaSAR-1 can capture detailed images regardless of weather or light conditions, making it especially valuable for monitoring land use, forestry, and coastal change—even through thick cloud cover.4. International Space Station (ISS)
Perhaps the most recognizable of all, the ISS appears as a bright, fast-moving point of light crossing the night sky for a few minutes at a time. Orbiting at roughly 414–437 km above Earth, it is a fully inhabited research laboratory where astronauts live and carry out scientific experiments across many disciplines.5. NOAA-15, NOAA-18, NOAA-19 (Weather Satellites)
These long-serving NOAA satellites regularly pass overhead and transmit weather data. Enthusiasts in Ireland equipped with simple SDR (software-defined radio) receivers can capture their signals and download near real-time imagery of cloud cover and atmospheric conditions—an accessible way to engage with Earth observation. -
The Nose Up High in the Sky ESA resource is fun, hands-on, and easy for children to use. The worksheets are clear and simple, which makes them great for learning. I really like how it links Science, Geography, and Maths together, as this makes learning about weather and climate more interesting for older classes. I especially enjoyed Activity 2, Sensing the Weather, and Activity 3, Building a Weather Station. These activities get children to look closely at the weather, talk about what they notice, and join in with creative, practical tasks. Building a weather station is a real favourite, as it lets students make something themselves while also practising Maths skills like measuring and recording data. By putting the children into groups they take ownership of the setting up and collecting of data each day over a period of time.
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I downloaded the Satellite Tracker and saw that the following satellites were passing over Ireland now.
ISS – The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a unique, habitable satellite that acts as a research laboratory and observation platform in orbit around Earth.
Cosmos 1743 – Cosmos 1743, launched by the Soviet Union, was a Tselina-D electronic intelligence (ELINT) satellite. Its primary purpose was to detect and locate radio-emitting objects, providing information about their type, operation modes, and activity levels, primarily for military intelligence.
Cosmos 1844 – Cosmos 1844, launched by the Soviet Union, was an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) satellite. Specifically, it was a Tselina-2 ELINT satellite, designed to collect and analyze electronic signals, particularly from fixed transmitters.
Cosmos 2221 – Cosmos 2221 was a Russian electronic intelligence (ELINT) satellite, meaning it was used for surveillance and gathering signals intelligence.
Cosmos 2278 – Cosmos 2221 was a Russian electronic intelligence (ELINT) satellite, meaning it was used for surveillance and gathering signals intelligence
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Lately there’s been loads of satellites passing over Ireland and some of them are pretty cool to spot. The ISS is one of the easiest, it shows up like a bright moving star and is packed with astronauts doing science experiments. Then there’s NOAA-19, that one’s all about checking the weather from space. TERRA is another, it keeps an eye on things like forests, oceans and ice, basically Earth’s health report. A Starlink satellite went over too, part of that massive internet project, sometimes they even line up and look like a train of lights which can freak people. METOP-B is another weather satellite, helping to track storms and temperatures.
So between astronauts, weather trackers, Earth check-ups and internet satellites, there’s a lot going on above us every night. Kind of mad to think that while we’re looking up, all these little machines are busy watching and working.
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Hi Susie,
Thanks for sharing! You’ve got a great way with words to describe what you are seeing in a fun and accessible way. I couldn’t agree with you more on how mad it is when you think about what is happening in Earth’s orbit that we are often completely unaware of!
There is a lot going on every night, making it a great activity for learners to engage with any day. At the rate the ISS orbits, it’s easy to find a time to spot it. I did not know the Starlink Satellites are freaking people out as a train of lights! On the topic of Starlink, it’s astonishing that about three in four objects in low-Earth orbit belong to Starlink, such is the scale of its presence. There has been a lot in the news this year about how the sun is impacting their satellites. It might be an interesting extension research topic.
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I downloaded the Satellite Tracker and saw that the following satellites were passing over Ireland now.
Seasat- Seasat was the first Earth-orbiting satellite specifically designed for remote sensing of the Earth’s oceans. Launched on June 27, 1978, it carried a variety of microwave sensors to study ocean surface conditions, including wind speed, wave height, and sea surface temperature. Although its mission was cut short due to a power system failure after just 105 days, Seasat provided valuable data and demonstrated the potential of satellite-based ocean monitoring.
Okean-0- Okean-O was a joint Ukrainian and Russian remote sensing satellite program designed as a follow on to the Okean-O1 series. It was designed to gather remote sensing data crucial for research of natural resources of the Earth and world oceans. The mission also included ecological monitoring and management of externalities (weather forecast, hazards prevention).
Terra- Terra (EOS AM-1) is a multi-national scientific research satellite operated by NASA in a Sun-synchronous orbit around the Earth. It takes simultaneous measurements of Earth’s atmosphere, land, and water to understand how Earth is changing and to identify the consequences for life on Earth.[1] It is the flagship of the Earth Observing System (EOS) and the first satellite of the system which was followed by Aqua (launched in 2002) and Aura (launched in 2004). Terra was launched in 1999.
Astex 1- ASTEX 1 is a US Air Force satellite launched on October 17, 1971, under the Space Test Program (STP). It was designed to test advanced development payloads. The satellite is also known as P71-2.
Cosmos 1743- Cosmos 1743 was a Soviet ELINT (Electronic and Signals Intelligence) satellite launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. It replaced Cosmos 1626.
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Thanks for the information Aaron. I didn’t realise there were so many different satellites flying over Ireland right now. I think it’s amazing how each one has such a different job, like tracking oceans, weather, or even signals. Terra sounds especially interesting since it’s still helping us learn about how the Earth is changing.
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1. Starlink satellites – SpaceX’s internet constellation
2. EIRSAT‑1
This is Ireland’s first home‑built CubeSat from UCD . It’s in a sun‑synchronous orbit doing tech demos like gamma‑ray detection (GMOD)
3. Argos constellation satellites – Polar‑orbiting satellites collecting environmental and tracking data globally
4 Astra 2-series geostationary satellites
These relay broadcast TV and broadband services to Ireland and the UK, though they appear stationary in the sky
Amateur radio CubeSats – Small craft like ZACube‑1, TIGRISAT, Cute‑I, AO‑7, UNISAT 6, etc., frequently fly over Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland—often tracked by hobbyists via their radio downlinks
heavens-above.com
.Summary (≈95 words):
Starlink shows up as dazzling satellite trains right after launch.
EIRSAT‑1, Ireland’s own CubeSat, is conducting internal tech experiments in sun‑synchronous orbit.
Argos satellites circle the poles, gathering environmental and asset‑tracking data.
The Astra 2 series provide geostationary TV and internet services to Ireland.
I loved exploring these apps, I ended up using the web versions on my laptop, as well as one my husband has on his phone called, Stellarium. Our kids love using this on a clear night, it is user friendly and shows live positions of stars planets and movements of satellites overhead. You also have an option in this app to overlay depictions of constellations over the stars. Not ideal for school as it is best used at night, but definitely one you could encourage kids to use at home. I also needed Wikipedia to help explain each satellite’s purpose. I think this would be a great extension activity for some of the more able and enthusiastic star gazing pupils!
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Module 4 Assignment Option 1
Using a satellite tracking app like Satellite Tracker or Orbitrack is a really exciting way to see what is flying over us in space. Here are five satellites that have passed over Ireland recently:
- International Space Station (ISS)
This is like a big science lab in space where astronauts live and work. It goes around Earth about 16 times a day and is often the brightest object you can see moving in the night sky. - EIRSAT 1
This is Ireland’s very first satellite. It was made to test new ideas in space and to help students and scientists learn more about how satellites work. - Starlink satellites
These satellites are part of a large group that is being used to give people internet all over the world. Sometimes they look like a line of bright moving dots in the sky. - Meteosat 11
This satellite watches the weather. It takes pictures of clouds and storms over Europe and helps scientists make better weather forecasts. - Copernicus Sentinel 3
This satellite looks at Earth’s land and oceans. It helps scientists study things like sea temperatures, forests, and how the environment is changing. All of these satellites do important jobs. Some help us learn about space, some help us connect with each other, and others keep track of Earth’s weather and climate. Using a tracker to spot them can make science and geography more fun and real for pupils.
- International Space Station (ISS)
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I chose activity three as my task. This resource is highly engaging, hands-on, and practical, offering an excellent way to integrate STEM into everyday classroom learning. The activity sheets are clear, well-structured, and easy for children to follow, making them very suitable for my 4th class. I particularly value how the activities encourage pupils to observe, discuss, question, and interpret data, while also leaving plenty of room for curiosity, creativity, and fun.
One of the most enjoyable aspects is the use of weather proverbs. This approach feels both clever and memorable, giving children an insight into how people in the past used sayings to make sense of the natural world. In Ireland—where the weather is such a common topic of conversation—this strategy feels especially relevant. It shows children that understanding weather isn’t just about technology and science; it’s also about observing patterns in nature and recognising the wisdom passed down through generations. Exploring the meanings behind these proverbs adds a cultural and historical dimension to science, making learning richer and more enjoyable.
A Sensing the Weather activity stood out for its simplicity and accessibility. By using their own senses—sight, touch, hearing, even smell—children are encouraged to directly engage with their environment. This makes weather observation immediate and personal. It also builds awareness of how humans rely on sensory information every day, linking science to children’s real-world experiences. This kind of activity could also lead to interesting discussions about how weather impacts daily life, mood, and even decision-making.
A Build Your Weather Station activity provides endless opportunities for hands-on exploration and problem-solving. Pupils get to design, construct, and test simple weather instruments, transforming abstract concepts into tangible experiences. Not only does this promote creativity, but it also develops practical skills such as measuring, recording, and analysing results. The sense of ownership pupils gain from testing instruments they have built themselves is particularly rewarding.
This activity also opens doors for cross-curricular learning. Pupils can record their weather data over time, present findings in graphs or charts (Maths), and even write weather reports or forecasts (English/Drama). The classroom weather station could become a long-term project, encouraging teamwork and responsibility while reinforcing scientific thinking.
Overall, this resource blends scientific inquiry, creativity, and cultural context in a way that feels engaging and meaningful. It promotes active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, while also showing pupils that science is not just confined to textbooks—it is all around them, waiting to be observed, tested, and understood.
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I downloaded the satellite tracker app, and found the following satellites over Ireland:
Based on the satellites you identified, here’s a brief breakdown of what each one does:International Space Station (ISS) This is a huge laboratory in space where astronauts from different countries live and work. Its main purpose is to conduct scientific research that can’t be done on Earth, like studying how things behave in microgravity.
Hubble Space Telescope Hubble is a very powerful telescope orbiting Earth. Its job is to capture incredibly sharp images of distant objects in space, like galaxies and nebulae. It has been a key tool in helping us understand the age and expansion of the universe.
Starlink Satellites These are part of a large network designed to provide global internet access. They are in a low orbit to reduce the time it takes for data to travel, which makes the internet service faster.NOAA-19 This is a weather satellite. It continuously collects data about our atmosphere and environment, including cloud cover, temperatures, and storm systems. This information is used by meteorologists to create more accurate weather forecasts and track climate patterns.
Landsat 8 This satellite is an earth observer. It takes detailed pictures of the planet’s surface, helping scientists monitor changes over time. Its data is used for a variety of purposes, from tracking deforestation and urban growth to managing water resources and agriculture.
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I really enjoyed exploring the Teacher Guide & Pupil Activities for the ESA Resource ‘ Nose High Up in The Sky. I thought the activities Talking About Weather, Sensing the Weather and Build Your Weather Station were really fun and hands-on. They cover loads of STEM skills without feeling too complicated, and the worksheets are easy to follow. I think my 4th class would really enjoy them. The activities get the kids noticing things, asking questions, and talking about what they see, which makes the learning more natural and enjoyable.
The weather proverbs were one of my favourite parts. They’re catchy and easy to remember, and in Ireland where the weather is always a big topic, they feel extra relevant. It also shows that you don’t always need fancy technology – nature itself gives us plenty of clues.
I liked “Sensing the Weather” because it’s so simple – just using your own senses to describe the weather. And building a weather station sounds like a brilliant project where the kids can design, test, and use their own instruments.
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HI Caoimhe,
Thanks for sharing! I am delighted to see your reflections on these resources, and that you find them fun, hands-on on and accessible. Like you say, it gets learners noticing things, asking questions and discussing findings. I hope you get the opportunity to make use of these with your fourth class in the rapidly approaching academic year.
I like your points about proverbs, considering how recent in human history we’ve developed the modern technology to monitor weather and share it across media platforms, proverbs would have been so important for work and day-to-day life in its absence. Like you say so well, nature gives us plenty of clues!
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Module 4 – Assignment
Using the Satellite Tracker App and Heavens Above website, these are a list of five satellites that have recently passed over Ireland.
1 – Starlink Satellites – these are part of Space X’s satellite programme and can be seen in a line, moving across the sky.
2 – The ISS( International Space Station) – This orbits the earth daily and will pass over Ireland again in approximately 15 hours time.
3. The Hubble Space Telescope – this telescope looks further into space and studies ours and farther away galaxies.
4- OKEAN O -Travelling close to Ireland currently but will not travel directly over the country. This was a joint Russian/Ukranian satellite launched in 1999 to study Earth science.
5- SL-8 R/B – Travelling close to Ireland currently but will not travel directly over the country. This satellite was launched from The USSR in 1971
I found it very interesting to watch the orbit of the satellites and to see them travel close to (or over) Ireland on the map
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1. Starlink satellites – These low‑Earth‑orbit broadband satellites by SpaceX are often seen as a luminous “train” moving overhead shortly after launch. They provide high-speed internet, especially to remote regions.
2. International Space Station (ISS) – Occasionally visible over Ireland, this manned orbital research outpost hosts astronauts conducting experiments in microgravity and Earth observation.
3. Copernicus Sentinel-1 – A European radar satellite that passes over Ireland every few days, capturing microwave imagery unaffected by clouds. It’s used for agricultural monitoring, environmental management, and compliance checks under the EU’s AMS system.
4. Copernicus Sentinel‑2 – Operating in the visible and infrared bands, this satellite captures detailed images of Ireland’s landscape, crops, forests, and land use—though its imagery can be hindered by cloud cover.
5. EIRSAT‑1 – Ireland’s first satellite, a 2U CubeSat launched in December 2023 by University College Dublin. It carries three Irish-developed payloads: GMOD (gamma-ray detector), EMOD (surface-coating experiment), and WBC (novel magnetic attitude control).
These satellites serve a range of roles—from global internet connectivity and scientific research to vital Earth observation and national space innovation.
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I downloaded orbitrack and got lost in its excellent visuals – thoroughly enjoyable –
Starlink: SpaceX’s Starlink constellation is a massive network of thousands of satellites providing high-speed internet.
International Space Station (ISS): The ISS is the largest and brightest object in the night sky after the Moon, and it orbits Earth approximately every 90 minutes. It is a multinational research lab and a continuous presence in low-Earth orbit, making it a regular passerby over Ireland.
Meteosat-11: Operated by EUMETSAT, this geostationary satellite is positioned over the equator at 0 degrees W. While it doesn’t “pass over” Ireland in the same way as a low-Earth orbit satellite, its location gives it a constant view of Ireland, providing the meteorological data used by Met Éireann for weather forecasting.
EIRSAT-1: This is Ireland’s first-ever satellite, developed by students at University College Dublin. Launched in late 2023, it has been orbiting the Earth, conducting experiments to study gamma-ray bursts and test new technologies.
Galileo: As part of Europe’s own global navigation satellite system, Galileo satellites provide precise positioning and timing information. They are similar in function to the American GPS system, and a network of them regularly passes over Ireland as they maintain their medium-Earth orbits
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I used the Satellite Tracker app to observe satellites passing over Ireland recently. Here are five that showed up:
1. International Space Station (ISS): a large crewed orbital laboratory visible as a bright trail in the sky and appearing frequently on a daily basis.
2. Starlink satellites: part of SpaceX’s internet constellation and often visible in groups moving together as satellite trains.
3. AJISAI: a passive Japanese geodetic satellite that reflects sunlight and enables Earth structure studies.
4. Aqua: a NASA Earth observing satellite monitoring the water cycle and climate including oceans, ice and atmosphere.
5. Envisat: a European Space Agency satellite that used to monitor environmental conditions globally. Although it is no longer operational it is still tracked as space debris.The app’s visible section gave next pass times and real time sky view guidance. Discussing these in class could spark curiosity about different satellite missions from scientific to environmental to commercial and human spaceflight.
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I downloaded the satellite tracker apps and here are five satellites that have recently passed over Ireland.
1. International Space Station. It’s a large habitable satellite orbiting Earth, jointly run by NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, and CSA. It hosts astronauts who conduct scientific research in microgravity, including medical, engineering, and Earth-observation experiments.
2. Starlink Satellites (SpaceX) It’s a constellation of thousands of small satellites launched by SpaceX. It provides high-speed internet access globally, including rural and remote areas.It is seen regularly in Ireland as a “train of lights “
3. NOAA-18 (US Weather Satellite)A polar-orbiting weather satellite operated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).It’s purpose is to Capture images of clouds, oceans, storms, and environmental conditions to support weather forecasting.
4. Metop-C (European Meteorological Satellite)It is Part of Europe’s Metop series of polar-orbiting weather satellites, run by EUMETSAT. It collects atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, and ozone levels, to improve European and global weather forecasts.
5. Meteor M2-4 (Russian Weather Satellite) A Russian polar-orbiting meteorological satellite.It Sends back Earth imagery, particularly useful for tracking clouds, sea ice, and weather systems.
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I selected Assignment 3: Nose High Up in the Sky, which features three activies:
Talking About Weather, Sensing the Weather & Build Your Weather Station.I found this resource to be engaging, practical, and highly interactive. It integrates a broad range of STEM skills, and the activity sheets are clear, well-structured, and easy to follow. The activities prompt children to observe, discuss, question, and interpret data—providing numerous opportunities to learn while enjoying the process.
The Sensing the Weather activity stood out for its simplicity and relatability. Children use their own senses to observe weather conditions, making the experience immediate and accessible. The Build Your Weather Station is my favourite of these activities. The activity provides limitless potential for creativity and hands-on learning. Pupils can plan, design, and construct simple weather instruments, then use them to operate a classroom weather station. The thrill of testing their own creations and recording real results would make this a particularly rewarding and memorable project. -
I tried all three activities from “Nose Up High in the Sky” myself: looking at old weather proverbs, describing today’s weather using my senses, and building simple tools to measure rain, wind and temperature. The proverb task is a great conversation starter because it gets students thinking about how people predicted weather before modern instruments. The sensory observation activity is simple but really effective for getting kids to use clear words to describe what they see, feel and hear. Building the weather station was my favourite part. It’s creative, low cost and shows exactly how measurements are taken, even with basic materials. Keeping a weather diary pulls everything together and makes it feel like real science.
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I looked at the Heaven’s Above satellite tracking website and found the following five satellites that passed over Ireland recently.
1. International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS is a big space lab where astronauts from around the world live and do science experiments. It often looks like a bright star moving across the sky.
2. Starlink Satellites
These look like a line of tiny stars zooming overhead. They help provide internet to people all over the world, especially in places that don’t have good internet.
3. NOAA 15
NOAA 15 is a weather satellite. It sends information about weather and temperature back to Earth. It helps scientists learn more about what’s happening in our skies.
4. EIRSAT 1
This is Ireland’s first satellite. It was built by students in University College Dublin. It is testing space technology and collecting data about space radiation.
5. Galileo Satellites
These satellites help us with maps and directions. They are part of a GPS system that helps people know exactly where they are in Europe, including in Ireland.
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