Space Station Spotting

[Eric Mc]

It passed overhead at 5.55 am this morning - so it was definitely it. Tomorrow morning's pass will be at 6.38 am.

[andrew_huxtable]

Just passed over, quite a clear view.

I like to double check that it is actually the ISS on this link http://www.isstracker.com/

[Eric Mc]

There is nothing else it could be.

[andrew_huxtable]

Eric Mc said:

There is nothing else it could be.

Ok grandad

[Eric Mc]

No need to be smart.

It is by far and away the brightest object in the sky, apart from the sun and the moon - and they don't zip across the sky in a couple of minutes. All other satellite type objects are a lot fainter.

If we get the chance to, it might be worth looking out tonight to see if you can see the Dragon spacecraft chasing the ISS as it closes in for docking. It will be a good chance to compare the relative brightness of the ISS with a more "normal" sized spacecraft.

[andrew_huxtable]

Eric Mc said:

No need to be smart.

It is by far and away the brightest object in the sky, apart from the sun and the moon - and they don't zip across the sky in a couple of minutes. All other satellite type objects are a lot fainter.

If we get the chance to, it might be worth looking out tonight to see if you can see the Dragon spacecraft chasing the ISS as it closes in for docking. It will be a good chance to compare the relative brightness of the ISS with a more "normal" sized spacecraft.

I apologise for the old man remark.

I just think that to most of the population, if you pointed at the ISS and told them what it was, their reply would be whoo that's 'smart'.

My point is I included the link for people who might stumble upon this thread and not have the faintest clue as to when or general direction to look when ISS spotting

[silverthorn2151]

Reasonable pass just now but couldn't see the other craft.

[S6PNJ]

Cracking pass! Saw both vessels - Dragon was a little way behind but doing its best to catch up! Does it fly in a lower trajectory to catch up and then match its height in order to match its velocity?

[Eric Mc]

Indeed it does. By being lower it's orbiting faster. The normal technique is for the chasing craft to undertake the target and then fire its motor to raise its orbit to match the target. There is another pass in a few minutes although a bit shorter as it will pass into the earth's shadow.

[tonyvid]

Just read this and leapt off the sofa to see it passing Cornwall....from Cambs! Couldn't see the supply vehicle, even with binos. Thanks Eric

[Eric Mc]

Yep - saw the ISS but no sign of the Dragon.

Tim Peake is in charge of the docking, by the way. So that's going to be a genuine first for a British astronaut.

[MartG]

Docking will be live on NASA TV

"9:30 a.m., Sunday, April 10 - Coverage of the Installation of the SpaceX/Dragon CRS-8 Cargo Craft to the ISS (time subject to change; Installation scheduled to begin at appx 10 a.m. ET) (all channels)"

Times are ET, so BST-5

[loafer123]

Another pass tonight at just before 9:30.

[chevy55]

and a good one tomorrow at 20.30

[uncinqsix]

I saw Tiangong-1 the other night: bit of a change from the ISS

[Eric Mc]

Well done. Where are you? I haven't managed to see it yet but it is extremely low down viewed from the UK.

[uncinqsix]

New Zealand. It was a lucky one - I fired up Stellarium on whim, and at that moment it just happened to show Tiangong going over. Rushed outside and there it was

[Eric Mc]

I had a look at the Heavens Above site and it is currently visible in the UK just before sunrise. So, I could get up early to have a look - if the weather is co-operating.

[SilverSpur]

ISS just went right over the UK, clouds cleared to provide a very bright fly by heading roughly west. Right over head.

Fortunate spot, wasn't looking out for it.

[silverthorn2151]

Bumping this as there are some nice passes over the next 10 days at quite sociable times.