View Full Version : International Space Station
steph_goodrum
21-05-2008, 01:13
For anyone that might be interested there is a good chance (weather permitting) of seeing the Space Station passing over in the next few days.
If you look at www.heavens-above.com and put in your postcode it will give the times and angle for viewing in the area for the next few 7 days or so. Apparently it will be the brightest it has ever been this time, guess they added a few more light bulbs on the last trip.
I've been using that site for a few years now, and like the 'Solar flares' and satellite part. It will tell you exactly where and when to look for a solar flare (most nights these are visible at certain times). This is where there is a near-by satellite and the sun catches the solar panel which reflects back to you on Earth. It looks like a quick flash of bright light in the sky, usually for a few seconds.
Also most nights within a few minute period several other satellites are visible moving all the way across the sky. They're like slow-motion meteorites, all visible with the naked eye.
Wow Steph, that's brilliant [msnsmile2] Thanks so much for that link, it even listed our little village! I've added it to favourites and will study the table produced to see when I might be able to see it. I have a telescope but we've never had anywhere here to use it [msnsad]
Pete and I went on NASA's astronaut training experience program at Kennedy Space Center's Visitors Complex Astronaut Training facility. Two of the highlights were lunch with astronaut Ed McBride and seeing all the bits of the ISS waiting to be sent by shuttle. I'll try to dig out some photos.
steph_goodrum
22-05-2008, 13:33
Sky was quite clear last night so got a really good view.
I find it fascinating that so far up in the sky, this group of people are orbiting the entire earth every 90 mins and its been good over the years watching it get brighter as they add more bits on.
Can't wait for the day when we can do Orlando in 45 mins!!!