ISS Spotting

[teleaddict]

I mentioned to my 7 year old daughter earlier that I saw the ISS pass over head last night and she almost had a hissy fit because she missed it.

So after checking stellarium, we have just watched if fly over head (between 21.15 & 21:22) together and she is now over the moon. What made it even better was the fact she spotted it first.

I've now got the problem though of trying to calm her down and getting her to sleep.

[Monty]

_{Does she have one of those planetarium projectors in her room?}

[keithatrochdale]

Have you tried the web site Heavens Above, it is great for this sort of info and even shows you where it appears and tracks in the sky?

http://www.heavens-a...spx?satid=25544

Also look for Iridium Flares

[notaclue]

Next pass over my location is 22:55.44. Azimuth 166.4 Elevation 47.6 Magnitude -1.1

In the west at 22.52 Azi.240.9 Elivation 10 degrees. Magnitude 1.1

Magnitude will then be on passing -0.3

All not done with Stellarium. I used Orbitron for satellite and ISS passing.

[The Sailor]

Was looking at Vega last night when it when through my FOV, had not seen it for quite a while.

Jim

[teleaddict]

_{Does she have one of those planetarium projectors in her room?}

This might be a good idea for santa to consider. Has anybody any recomendations for a good one?

[m12_shakes]

I've been keeping an eye out for it, although I've not seen it yet. Checked on http://www.heavens-above.com/ when it'll cross my path...

Cracking stuff on getting your little one interested in the stars

[Shibby]

The pass I saw 2 nights ago was by far the brightest I have ever seen. So bright, I could hardly believe it was the ISS!

Look out for another bright one tomorrow tonight (mag -3.5)

[teleaddict]

I think she's got the bug, we've just watched it pass over again. I wouldn't mind giving the meteors a go later on, but I've got work early in the morning.

[JamesF]

Always nice to see young children getting excited about this sort of thing. I try to get mine involved as much as possible.

James

[m12_shakes]

Made an effort to see it today, and it was worth it! Very bright indeed, made my parents stay out and watch it too....glad to see them get all excited about it too

[JamesF]

And I believe there is another shortly.

James

[Stu]

Looked great didn't it?

Managed to track it for a little while in the scope at low mag. Will try again at higher mag next time to see if I can see more detail

Stu

[kevrees]

I've just been outside watching it and my mum came out to have a look and actually spotted it first, was her first time seeing it too. Was great hearing her go on about when she was little thinking about something like that being possible was unimaginable and got me thinking i wonder what's going to be possible by the time my daughter is her age.

I know what she means tho cos have had the same thoughts when reading about these 'elevators' going into space.

Sounds lame but this astronomy stuff is pretty awesome isnt it. Here we are from all over the country and talking about seeing the same thing at the same time that isnt on telly.

[m12_shakes]

Yup, in one hours time...

[Bluenosebatty]

Can anyone recommend a decent planatary projector? Would love to get my 6 year old one. One that's accurate or has proper constellations etc

[Stu]

Not sure, but I know there are lots of naff ones around so chose carefully. I'm sure someone will be along soon who has found a good one.

Stu

[LukeSkywatcher]

Can anyone recommend a decent planatary projector? Would love to get my 6 year old one. One that's accurate or has proper constellations etc

Proper ones cost a fair few quid. The ones you buy in toy stores really aint up to much good. The sky is all properly aligned etc but they really just dont project well onto a ceiling or walls.

I have heard good things about these "Moon Phase Lights": They are astonomically correct and i guess they can act as a night light in a kids bedroom. Ive thought about buying one myself.

No................i'm not afraid of the dark

LOL.

[teleaddict]

Sounds lame but this astronomy stuff is pretty awesome isnt it. Here we are from all over the country and talking about seeing the same thing at the same time that isnt on telly.

If it was on the telly the repeats would be identical. With the ISS even the "repeats" are must see, because each pass over is slightly different...

[Bluenosebatty]

I've seen these moon lights about, think it was in smyths toy shop.i will do a good tinternet search tomorrow see what comes up - thanks lads

Mark.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I've seen these moon lights about, think it was in smyths toy shop.i will do a good tinternet search tomorrow see what comes up - thanks lads

Mark.

Yeah i have seen them in Smyth's also.

[Hypernova]

Just watched the latest pass of the ISS, reached at least 66 degrees from here so quite high overhead. Saw it fade into the Earth's shadow mid-pass and turn a orange colour as it did so.

Cherry on the top was a nice Perseid just below it as it was just starting to fade Magic!

[LukeSkywatcher]

I think its nearly time to get outside and catch a few meteors. I'll finish my drink and smoke first though.

[kevrees]

Just watched the latest pass of the ISS, reached at least 66 degrees from here so quite high overhead. Saw it fade into the Earth's shadow mid-pass and turn a orange colour as it did so.

Cherry on the top was a nice Perseid just below it as it was just starting to fade Magic!

That answers my question, it was the ISS. Turned an orange colour and faded away just as it was starting to pass through the milky way, caught a glimpse of the Perseid too. Time for a red bull, hopefully be an interesting night

[The Sailor]

I have seen the ISS going over and have noticed that Stellarium shows it dissapearing as it enters Earths shadow, checked it out last night and as the ISS started to fade out well above the horizan it also showed it doing the same on Stellarium, nice touch .

Jim