Space station sighting, Saturday morning

[mahatmakanejeeves]

And was I ever lucky to see it, too.

I had been outside with my binoculars looking for Mercury. Venus, no problem. Mars, it took a while, as it has moved relative to Venus. I had to scan a bit before seeing it. Mercury, no dice. I saw it easily two weeks ago, but it is now beginning to wane.

I went inside and took my coat off. Then I thought that since the moon was way up, I ought to give it a cursory glance as well. Back on goes the jacket, and back outside I go. Before I can even train my binoculars on the moon, I saw a telltale light in the low southwest sky. I knew what it was right away.

This was one of my best sightings. Space station was visible for several minutes, and it was far up in the sky. I checked later and found that it was not as high up as I thought it was. I was able to view it until it got lost in the trees.

Sometimes you get lucky.

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings/view.cfm?country=United_States®ion=Virginia&city=Alexandria#.YhDNGJTMI2w

Date...........................Visible......Max Height*.....Appears.................Disappears
Sat Feb 19, 5:40 AM.....6 min.......50°.................16° above SSW.......10° above ENE

{later}

After writing this, I went back outside. I had no problem finding Mercury. It's as clear as anything. It need to get past the crud on the horizon. So I got to see all four of our nearest neighbors this morning.

[3Hotdogs]

1. NASA has a web service that posts when a sighting is available in your area.

I try to catch the flyover when I have a clear sky.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. I used to check occasionally, but this one took me quite by surprise.

Last edited Sat Feb 19, 2022, 10:18 AM - Edit history (1)

And it was one of my best sightings. Sunrise was not until just about 7:00, so the sky was still dark. The instant I saw the moving point of light, I knew what it was.

Thanks.

[3Hotdogs]

3. I've tried to photograph it with a 500mm lens. Not much luck.

A 600mm lens might work (if I could even afford a good one) but too heavy to manage in the field.

[TNNurse]

4. Yes, spotthestation.nasa.gov

will send you emails or text messages specific to your area.

It is a treat to see it.

[Pobeka]

5. When I was in elementary school, used to see skylab while "sleeping" under the stars.

I was an absolute space fan at the time, it was just the coolest thing ever.

I should try to spot the current space station, thanks for the link