Space Station Spotting
Discussion
durbster said:
I thought the ISS was the first space station big enough to see without a telescope to be honest.
I didn't really know much about Mir but I can see that it was a bit of a beast. It may well have been that
When out spotting the ISS you often see other sats buzzing around. Envisat was one, and Iridium is another culprit among others. Look up Iridium flares, remember that the object is still in sunlight when this happens and we are in a shadow.I didn't really know much about Mir but I can see that it was a bit of a beast. It may well have been that
I was reading my local newspaper online tonight and noticed the ISS would fly across Liverpool at 19:30, this was at about 19:20.. a quick rummage around for some binoculars and I was outside with my dad, who jumped at the chance to come out and have a look. He, like myself, has never seen it before.
We waited a minute or two, we were very lucky as we had clear skies, also as we live in greenbelt just outside of Liverpool there wasn't as much light pollution or obstacles in our way.
What a fantastic display as it glided across pretty much our whole line of sight. Looking through the binoculars it seemed diamond shaped, presumably because of the orientation of the solar panels? Very moving to think several people are up there at 17,500 mph!
We waited a minute or two, we were very lucky as we had clear skies, also as we live in greenbelt just outside of Liverpool there wasn't as much light pollution or obstacles in our way.
What a fantastic display as it glided across pretty much our whole line of sight. Looking through the binoculars it seemed diamond shaped, presumably because of the orientation of the solar panels? Very moving to think several people are up there at 17,500 mph!
TTmonkey said:
jmorgan said:
Good one tonight, guess what the weather forecast is......
When's the next 'good one' due.....?http://www.heavens-above.com
Register (free) and set your location. Then look for the passes under ISS. The pictorial of the pass with the longest line as a general guide.
Edit. 19th, 19:13 rise
18th 20:02
Edit 2. Sorter lines stop where the ISS passes into the earths shadow. Usually I cannot see the low ones due to the local obstructions however I assum others can.
Edited by jmorgan on Saturday 18th October 08:42
Edited by jmorgan on Saturday 18th October 08:46
TokyoSexwhale said:
central said:
Christmas eve (Santa) pass at 17:20 tonight.
Stupid question...Does the time vary (materially) depending on where in the UK I am?
I've seen times ranging from the above to 1930
There's also a low, dim pass at 18:58.
You certainly wont see it at 19:30.
I've got a phone app (called ISS detector) which gives you a countdown to the next ISS pass (and other satellites) based on your location, and it also gives you a compass and elevation tool so you know where to look.
Haven't tried it out properly yet but I'll give it a go this evening.
Haven't tried it out properly yet but I'll give it a go this evening.
central said:
TokyoSexwhale said:
central said:
Christmas eve (Santa) pass at 17:20 tonight.
Stupid question...Does the time vary (materially) depending on where in the UK I am?
I've seen times ranging from the above to 1930
There's also a low, dim pass at 18:58.
You certainly wont see it at 19:30.
http://metro.co.uk/2014/12/24/britain-is-going-to-...
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