International space station

[Catherine]

Last night the weather chappie told us that the international space station would be flying over the North West at 9.27pm. So guess who was standing in the garden in the dark at 9.27pm. And yes we saw it on time coming over Pendle Hill, a bit like a plane without the flashing lights. It took four minutes to fly over us. It was brilliant to see, imagine there are people in there flying over us. AND in one hour they are BACK AGAIN. Only this time it is less than a minute. I dont understand why the second viewing was only for about 40 seconds. But I will be there again tonight to see it again. I love star watching and my OH bought a big telescope earlier this year but we have not really had much time to use it.

Has anyone else seen it.

[Primrose]

Yes, it's worth seeing. We spotted it some months ago and the sight didn't last very long. As you say, it's difficult to imagine there are people up there living and doing their scientific jobs. I seem to remember there's a website we spotted somewhere which tells you exactly where and when the space station will be flying overhead but as always, it depends on the weather to be able to spot it and you need nice clear weather with no clouds.

[Geoff]

If you register with Heavens Above it can give you charts for your location that tell where the stars and planets are and what is passing over. If like us you have little light pollution you can see all sorts.

You can get them as a table
http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummar ... ceonhgffge

Or as a star map

[John]

Hello Catherine
DW and I were outside watching the ISS and it was indeed a fine sight. What the weatherman forgot to tell you was that an unmanned Russian cargo module had separated from the ISS earlier in the day and that what was what you saw - the brighter object was the ISS and the dimmer one the cargo module. It is due to be brought down into the Pacific on Monday.
Just love these clear cool nights as there is so much to see up there!

John

[Catherine]

Thanks everyone. Yes I saw it again. Yes John there was a second light which we saw in front of the main light last night. Thank you for explaining this to us. I was wondering what it was. I love watching the stars. I prefer autumn and winter rather than hot weather in summer.

[Johnboy]

Here we have very little light pollution and people who come to stay spend hours sitting in the garden star gazing. The only snag is that they expect to be kept supplied with hot drinks and it is I 'muggins' that has to do the supplying.
What really amazes me is the path of 'The Plough' because sometimes it presents as an enormous question mark, a far cry from its normal presentation.
I long since gave up watching the stars but had I been armed with a chart I may have been quite keen.
I am afraid that where Skylab and Moon landings are concerned I always think of the money that they use could be put to better use down here on Earth. I regret being such a cynic but this is the way I feel.
JB.

[alan refail]

I am afraid that where Skylab and Moon landings are concerned I always think of the money that they use could be put to better use down here on Earth. I regret being such a cynic but this is the way I feel.
JB.

How true, Johnboy! And I'm cynical enough to question the $1,000,000,000,000 spent by the US on destabilising Iraq.

Sorry for the thread drift.

[Clive.]

I didn't go out to look for the space station...wished I had...too tired somehow........

Loads of years back now Dr Owen Garriot.? took a 2m VHF hand held amateur radio tranceiver on one of the Shuttle missions....I heard his transmisions as clear as a bell...and anyone sending in a report later got the special QSL card sent out to them.
In that case the window available for reception of the signal was, I think, 8 minutes..horizon to horizon....
Another of my now dormant hobbies......

Clive.