Shuttle Launch Visible tonight!

[ashenlight]

was really bright wasn't it dragged my sister out of bed to have a look then we had a gander at Jupiter, blazing away in the south east.

makes me realise why I love astronomy.

[RichieJarvis]

You love Astronomy because it gives you an excuse to drag your sister out of bed??

[ashenlight]

I didn't mean that, but actually YES! She's 18 and does nothing. Astronomy builds character!

[calibos]

Are we all set for tonight lads and lassies!! Launch is scheduled earlier tonight at between 10:58 to 11:02 our time. So we should see it 18 minutes later anywhere between 11:16 and 11:20pm. West to East.

[ashenlight]

Cheers calibos, sending them all positive thoughts hoping we get a launch tonight...

[PeterW]

Clouds gone, clear skies here in London. ISS PAss 23:40(ish). NASA TV sounds like we are GO for take off. Fingers crossed for a successful launch and the subsequent pass over the UK.... Last spring we had one where the shuttle and separated main fuel tank (bright red) tracking across the sky after the ISS. Don't go to bed till she's gone over!

Fingers are crossed, eyes propped open!

PEterW

[PeterW]

!!! They are going an HOUR earlier... T minus 30mins... so I won't have to stay up as late as I would have to

PEterW

[Beyond_Vision]

!!! They are going an HOUR earlier... T minus 30mins... so I won't have to stay up as late as I would have to

PEterW

The countdown will be held for 10 mins then at 9 mins it will be on hold for around 45. It will take off at 11.03pm

[Dendroica]

Just bagged the ISS. Brightest I have ever seen it.

[ashenlight]

So guys, can I just confirm, should I be able to see the Shuttle behind the ISS at the 23:40 pass? and will the fuel tank be visible also?

My first Shuttle+ISS observation y'see.

[arad85]

Intermittent cloud here and was cloudy 22:05-22:15

[arad85]

So guys, can I just confirm, should I be able to see the Shuttle behind the ISS at the 23:40 pass? and will the fuel tank be visible also?

My first Shuttle+ISS observation y'see.

C'mon Amanda... follow the thread . Shuttle will be in front of the ISS around 23:20 (about 15-18mins after liftoff). Yes, you should see the fuel tank.

[Psychobilly]

Right Come on ... who ordered the clouds that are streaming in at the moment

AAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!1 *$£$(%^%($£%

[ashenlight]

Sorry m'dear, just clarifying

Peter, have a cup of tea (offers cuppa)

[Doc]

Doesn't time go slow when you are clock watching

[SpookyKatt]

Its cool just watching it sitting there on the launch pad on Nasa tv...

[Dave]

I think the sense of uncertainty really adds something to it.

[SpookyKatt]

Completely, I'm getting nervous.....

[ashenlight]

I have butterflies in my stomach

[SpookyKatt]

Hehe me too, there is no way I could sleep now even if I wanted to....

I keep thinking its a static shot until I see the venting liquid nitrogen gas...

[Dave]

Just make sure you feel well enough to get out there and see those two bright lights pass across the sky 15 minutes after launch. You don't want to miss it. I can't believe we've got clear skies too.

[PeterW]

... if the clocks at work stop the UK will stop still.... clocks just do NOT stop while people have a little chat! Do watch NASA TV (from their website for the launch)... nice build-up!

Tested my camera on the ISS pass, it refuses to allow me do a long exposure, so can someone get a nice shot of the pass?!

All the best, off to make a drink and see where Jupiter is and if clouds have appeared.

PEterW

[ashenlight]

oh god this is so moving I am such a pansy.

[Catanonia]

where should I look in the sky. To the west ?

[ashenlight]

Yes Cat, to the West at 23:40 for the ISS pass.