International Space Station - Observing from UK.
Posted: 03 Sep 2010, 20:43
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
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