Thread: I just saw the Space Station

It looked like it flew right over my house. I was curious as to how high and how fast it was going since it orbits the earth every 92 minutes:


The ISS orbits at approximately 220 miles above the Earth and it travels at an average speed of 27,724 kilometers (17,227 miles) per hour. The ISS makes multiple orbits around the Earth every day...

http://earthsky.org/space/how-to-spo...-space-station


Looks like there'll be a few more opportunities to see it again in Metro Detroit:

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sigh...t#.V0e945AUXIU

Cool! What did it look like? A slower-than-normal meteor? An airplane? Was it as bright as Jupiter or Mars?

I just always assume anything moving in the sky is an airplane. I hadn't even thought about seeing the space station.

Originally Posted by Lista

I just always assume anything moving in the sky is an airplane. I hadn't even thought about seeing the space station.

Originally Posted by njtom

Cool! What did it look like? A slower-than-normal meteor? An airplane? Was it as bright as Jupiter or Mars?

Yes, yes, and yes.

I didn't know quite what to expect when I went out to watch for it, just kinda stared in the low SW sky at the time it was expected to fly by. At first I did think it was a plane but as it came closer it got brighter and was faster than an air plane. It was pretty cool and if the weather permits I have another chance to see it fly directly over again tonight at 10:12pm EST.

Here's what it looks like from their vantage point, matter of fact I think this is the same pattern of flight they're currently using as you can see they are approaching Michigan from the SW again:



In case you can't click the video, here's the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbBZRj_EkvI

Originally Posted by Nikos

I just assume it is wheeze since he is so spacey!

I love watching the ISS go over. It basically looks like a bright star that's moving. (It's just white and you can't see it flashing/pulsing or anything)

Originally Posted by papabrett

Not everything moving in the sky is a plane. Sometimes it can be a helicopter.

PLANE:


HELICOPTER:

You've been absent for HOW long, but you can find the time to come in here and harass me?! Where's the spanking emoticon when I need it!

Welcome back PapaB...miss you around here!!!