International Space Station - Observing from UK.

[basys]

Hi Folks

On Tuesday evening just after sunset
a mate and I were sat in the backyard chatting,
when what I initially thought was an a/c, with landing lights on, started to pass over.

As the lights got brighter after she'd passed overhead,
and there was another definite a/c crossing its track, (with flashing lights),
I'd realised what we were watching wasn't an a/c, but wasn't 100% certain it was the ISS.

Checked on the web and confirmed.

I'd known she was visible, but hadn't realised how bright she'd be.
The ISS was several magnitudes brighter than the observed a/c.



Then last night, (Thu),
I went into the local park specifically to check.

As it was a little hazy,
I didn't manage to see the Progress ATV, (which was 5 minutes ahead).

Did see the ISS, and the transit took 4 minutes.
Superb !



Tonight its clearer,
so should get a better view.

For UK's western viewers tonight, (3rd Sept 2010) -
Progress ATV - 21:11 BST - From 16° above horizon W - to 19° above ESE - Max latitude 55°
ISS - 21:18 BST - From 16° above horizon W - to 24° above ESE - Max latitude 55°
Both transits currently take approx 4 minutes.

The Progress ATV is nowhere near as bright as the ISS.



Anyone else, and for future opportunities, see NASA HSF Sightings.



HTH
ATB
Paul

[HawkerHart]

Went out to have a look for it the other night after seeing mention on the weather forecast. Dint see it though "max elevation 55deg" doesn't sound that high in the sky? So maybe I was starring upwards too much?
Have another go tonight i rekon

[basys]

Hi Folks

Tom -
My mistake -

The 55° is max latitude attained,
so she does appear to pass directly overhead.

I've corrected my o/p's info.

HTH
ATB
Paul

[HawkerHart]

No worries Just need another excuse as to why I didnt see it Maybe my watch is wrong, ill go out now just incase

[basys]

Hi Folks

Sky was clear enough here
to catch both the Progress ATV and ISS.

Kids in the park were gobsmacked.

ATB
Paul

[HawkerHart]

Wowee that was bright!! Much brighter than expected. Cheers for the HU
Now back to the footie

[Sl4yer]

Wish I'd seen this earlier!

James

[Garry Russell]

I've seen a few

Skylab used to show up clearly

[VEGAS]

I thought I saw it the other night.

Only thing was there were about twenty of them. All moving together across the night sky.

A beautiful sight.

Graceful and quiet. No strobes.

Quickly realised someone had released several chinese laterns about ten miles away. Doh!

[DispatchDragon]

I remember watching the ISS early on in its development crossing above Maui late one evening -- at 4500 feet up Haleakalah it was very very clear -- beautiful to watch

Leif