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ISS (Intn'l Spacestation) Sightings over the Virgin Islands

(@JohnnyWishbone)
Posts: 10
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Consequently, what you would easily see with the naked eye is a Bright - Non-blinking Light, gliding in silence across the darkened sky.

Thank you for your interest in ISS!
And, thank you, Houston.

Swan

Will I see detail with binoculars? I'm wondering if I'll have a problem putting them in my carry on.
Thank you for your immediate response. Johnny Wishbone

 
Posted : November 9, 2011 9:11 pm
swans
(@swans)
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Consequently, what you would easily see with the naked eye is a Bright - Non-blinking Light, gliding in silence across the darkened sky.

Thank you for your interest in ISS!
And, thank you, Houston.

Swan

Will I see detail with binoculars? I'm wondering if I'll have a problem putting them in my carry on.
Thank you for your immediate response. Johnny Wishbone

Hi Johnny,
Depending, of course, on the power of your binoculars - stronger is a good thing - yes, you can see detail. ISS is only about 225 miles away and that is fairly close to us down here. It is, however, a little difficult to follow her with the binoculars, because she is traveling at about 17, 300 mph and the view can be a bit "shaky" due to merely attempting to keep the hands steady while following her with binoculars.

ISS sightings are now returning to an AM time schedule even over the mainland; otherwise, I would be pleased to PM you ISS sighting opportunities over your city if you gave me the city and state where you are located. You could pracrice! And you could enjoy ISS from home too! 😀

Swan

 
Posted : November 9, 2011 10:04 pm
(@stxjill)
Posts: 215
Estimable Member
 

Good morning,
Thank you, Houston.

ISS should be stunning as she passes over the VIs during her next two visits before returning to early morning sighting opportunities this coming week.

Monday - Nov. 7th
@ 6:32 PM
A 6 min. run - Overhead
Arriving From the NNW and Departing To the SE (NNW to SE)

Wednesday - Nov. 9th
@ 6:14 PM
A 6 min. run - 40 degrees over the horizon
Arriving From the WNW and Departing To the SSE (WNW to SSE)

(Lily: To answer your questions re: speed and can the crew see details of Earth from ISS: At times ISS will seem to be moving faster (Overhead runs mainly) as compared to their sighting positions closer to and outward over the horizon - at more of a distance from our line of view, if you will. However, they are always moving at approximately 17,500 mph - the speed required to maintain orbit @ 210 to 250 miles above Earth.

Can they see us? With the technological advances of satellite systems available today and in the future, well...before waving to them, I'd probably remove the towel, too, after washing my hair....:as you said, "vanity always reigns supreme!" 😀

"Give em' a wave!!!

Swan

Just saw it pass by ... Awesome! Thank you Swans.

 
Posted : November 9, 2011 10:23 pm
(@shibuya)
Posts: 197
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swans, thanks for the heads up it was an awesome sight! my husband and i actually did look with binoculars and thought we saw rectangular structures. beautiful thing to witness and feel like a part of for a very brief while.

 
Posted : November 10, 2011 12:51 am
swans
(@swans)
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Good night everyone,

For all who watched ISS tonight, I hope you had a clear view and great sighting! She sure is pretty! And, did you remember to "give em' a wave?" 🙂

With binoculars, the rectangular solar arrays are visible and I am thrilled you were able to see them, Shibuya.

When she returns to evening visits over the VIs, I will be sure to post the dates and times.

Thank you all for your interest in ISS;
and thank you, Houston.

Swan

 
Posted : November 10, 2011 1:43 am
Bombi
(@Bombi)
Posts: 2104
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that was a trip, the ISS, the moon, venus, the clouds, thanks Swan. Have a great full moon. I paste and post your sightings as an event on FB to share the phenomenon.

 
Posted : November 10, 2011 12:35 pm
swans
(@swans)
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G'morning,

While ISS is currently entertaining those in the Southern Hemisphere with her evening fly-over viewing opportunities, I thought our 'stargazers' might enjoy a look at what Hubble Ultra Deep Field revealed.

Thank you NASA and ESA (European Space Agency)
Enjoy!

Swan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAVjF_7ensg

 
Posted : November 19, 2011 1:11 pm
swans
(@swans)
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Hi, I'm going to be on STT from12/8 to 12/16. Does anyone know if the ISS will be overhead within those dates? Can it be seen with the naked eye? Thanks, Johnny

Greetings JW:

ISS will be gliding over the Virgin Islands during your visit on:

Sunday, Dec. 11th,
Time - @ 6:52 PM *island time" - (use your cellphone clock for exactness in timing)
A 4 minute run time
Path: Overhead
Arriving from the SSW and departing to the ENE.

She is easily visible from the naked eye and will appear as a non-blinking, bright light as she passes over the night sky.
I'll repost this sighting opportunity within 2 days of her visit as a reminder.
Thank you for your interest in ISS! Enjoy every moment you spend on our beautiful Virgin Island!
Thank you Houston.
Swan

 
Posted : December 1, 2011 5:24 pm
swans
(@swans)
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Good morning,

ISS will be visible as she passes over the VIs once again on:

Sun., Dec. 11th
Time: 6:52 PM
Path: Just about Overhead
Run Time: 4 minutes
Arriving from the SSW and Departing to the ENE (SSW to ENE)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tues. Dec. 13th
Time: 6:38 PM
Path: @ 40 degrees over the horizon
Run Time: 3 minutes
Arriving from the West and Departing to the NNE (W to NNE)

A crew of 3 are aboard after a successful launch of Russia's Soyuz TMA-22 on Nov. 13th from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The 3 previous crew members returned via Soyuz on Nov. 21st. With NASA's retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Soyuz will be the transport system to and from the ISS Spacestation for crew members. Later this month, 3 additional crew - from NASA, Russia, and ESA - are scheduled to join ISS bringing the total aboard to six (6)

"Give em' a wave!"
Swan

 
Posted : December 8, 2011 1:19 pm
(@lily1025)
Posts: 446
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thanks swans. looking forward to it. i'll plan on NOT washing my hair on those evenings!

 
Posted : December 8, 2011 3:30 pm
swans
(@swans)
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G'day: One additional sighting opportunity next week:
Thurs.,Dec, 15th @ 6:22PM
A 3 minute run @ 15 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the WNW and Departing to the NNW
Although it is a shorter arc, it might prove worth while to see.
Enjoy! PS: And Lily, thanks for the smile! You're too funny...:-)
Swan

Good morning,

ISS will be visible as she passes over the VIs once again on:

Sun., Dec. 11th
Time: 6:52 PM
Path: Just about Overhead
Run Time: 4 minutes
Arriving from the SSW and Departing to the ENE (SSW to ENE)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tues. Dec. 13th
Time: 6:38 PM
Path: @ 40 degrees over the horizon
Run Time: 3 minutes
Arriving from the West and Departing to the NNE (W to NNE)

A crew of 3 are aboard after a successful launch of Russia's Soyuz TMA-22 on Nov. 13th from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The 3 previous crew members returned via Soyuz on Nov. 21st. With NASA's retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Soyuz will be the transport system to and from the ISS Spacestation for crew members. Later this month, 3 additional crew - from NASA, Russia, and ESA - are scheduled to join ISS bringing the total aboard to six (6)

"Give em' a wave!"
Swan

 
Posted : December 10, 2011 5:16 pm
swans
(@swans)
Posts: 1313
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G'morning,
Thank you Houston.
ISS is coming back to wish all a great New Year...

Wed., Jan 4th
Time: 7:00 PM
A 3 min. run @ 35 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the NNW and departing to the NE

Thurs., Jan. 5th
Time: 7:40 PM
A 4 min. run @ 21 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the WNW and Departing to the SSW

Fri., Jan. 6th
Time: 6:42 PM
A 6 min. run - Overhead
Arriving from the NW and Departing to the SSE

Six crew are now aboard following the launch last week of the Soyuz by Arianspace - Arianespace launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan; Arianespace European Space Port is located in Kourou, French Guiana and has the capability of launching on demand the Ariane-5 (Heavy weight capability), Soyuz (Medium weight capability), and Vega (Light weight capability) Rockets.

Thank you for your interest in ISS. - "Give em' a wave!"
Swan

 
Posted : January 2, 2012 2:16 pm
swans
(@swans)
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Just a reminder about ISS's 3-night visit; and then she will be visible during the early morning hours only for a while.
Swan

G'morning,
Thank you Houston.
ISS is coming back to wish all a great New Year...

Wed., Jan 4th
Time: 7:00 PM
A 3 min. run @ 35 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the NNW and departing to the NE

Thurs., Jan. 5th
Time: 7:40 PM
A 4 min. run @ 21 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the WNW and Departing to the SSW

Fri., Jan. 6th
Time: 6:42 PM
A 6 min. run - Overhead
Arriving from the NW and Departing to the SSE

Six crew are now aboard following the launch last week of the Soyuz by Arianspace - Arianespace launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan; Arianespace European Space Port is located in Kourou, French Guiana and has the capability of launching on demand the Ariane-5 (Heavy weight capability), Soyuz (Medium weight capability), and Vega (Light weight capability) Rockets.

Thank you for your interest in ISS. - "Give em' a wave!"
Swan

 
Posted : January 4, 2012 12:29 pm
(@shibuya)
Posts: 197
Estimable Member
 

http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/13/iss-gets-out-of-the-way/?hpt=hp_c2

phew! that was a close one!

 
Posted : January 14, 2012 2:52 am
swans
(@swans)
Posts: 1313
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Thanks Shibuya,
Update: The manuever was successful. 🙂

http://www.universetoday.com/92571/iss-will-do-manuever-friday-to-avoid-collision-with-satellite-debris/
Swan

 
Posted : January 14, 2012 10:48 pm
swans
(@swans)
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Greetings,
ISS is returning for a visit over the Caribbean this coming week and will be visible in the night sky on the following dates:

Tues. Feb. 7th
Time - 7:23PM (Use a cellphone clock for exact timing)
A 2 minute run @ 35 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the SSW and Departing to the SSE

Thurs. Feb. 9th
Time - 7:08 PM
A 4 minute run - Overhead (Excellent viewing)
Arriving from the SW and Departing to the NNE

Please meet the crew (Expedition 30) currently on board ISS
http://www.cosmotography.com/images/ISS_Expedition30.html

"GIVE 'EM A WAVE!"

Thank you Houston,
Swan

 
Posted : February 4, 2012 12:30 pm
swans
(@swans)
Posts: 1313
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Topic starter
 

Greetings everyone:

ISS is returning this week to the beautiful USVI with two stunning flyovers for all to enjoy, especially students, educators, residents, and visitors alike.

Sunday - Mar. 4th
Time: 7:03pm
A 5 min. run @ 40 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the NNW and Departing to the ESE

Tuesday - Mar. 6th
Time 6:46 pm
A 6 min. run @ 60 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the NW and Departing to the SSE

Reminder: Use cellphone clocks for accurate timing; ISS will appear as a bright, non-blinking light gliding across the night sky. With binocs, one can see details. Either way, she's interesting to view. 🙂

"Give 'em a wave!"

Swan

 
Posted : March 3, 2012 1:06 pm
(@JulieKay)
Posts: 1341
Noble Member
 

Thank you Swan! We love running out to look at the station as it goes by. Fun stuff. 🙂

 
Posted : March 3, 2012 1:12 pm
(@DixieChick)
Posts: 1495
Noble Member
 

i saw it tonight!!!!! the first time. first we were looking at jupiter thinking that was it. only it didnt move. then saw the SS. WOW so neat
thanks for the info. will be sure to look on the return flight

 
Posted : March 4, 2012 11:21 pm
swans
(@swans)
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i saw it tonight!!!!! the first time. first we were looking at jupiter thinking that was it. only it didnt move. then saw the SS. WOW so neat
thanks for the info. will be sure to look on the return flight

DixieChick:
I'm so pleased you saw ISS tonight. She's about 220 miles above and has a crew of six aboard.

If you thought she was amazing tonight, wait until you see her on Tuesday! She'll pass almost overhead! And a 6 minute run time @17,500mph.- nearly 5 miles/ second to maintain orbit!

Tuesday - Mar. 6th
Time 6:46 pm
A 6 min. run @ 60 degrees over the horizon
Arriving from the NW and Departing to the SSE

"Give 'em a wave!" 🙂
Swan

 
Posted : March 5, 2012 12:16 am
(@STXBob)
Posts: 2138
Noble Member
 

I saw the ISS tonight from Rainbow Beach STX by coincidence. I didn't know what time or direction to look, but I looked around occasionally and then saw it above the trees. Cool!

 
Posted : March 5, 2012 3:39 am
(@DixieChick)
Posts: 1495
Noble Member
 

it was very cool. went on line and read about the ISS. interesting info. i never gave it much thought until i saw it last night.
now i want a ride

 
Posted : March 5, 2012 12:10 pm
(@STXBob)
Posts: 2138
Noble Member
 

now i want a ride [on the ISS]

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_tourism :
"The publicized price for flights brokered by Space Adventures to the International Space Station aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft have been US$ 20–35 million, during the period 2001–2009."

But you can take a free ride here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev9oPUNaqXE

 
Posted : March 5, 2012 12:59 pm
(@JulieKay)
Posts: 1341
Noble Member
 

Wow STXBob, that's really cool! I didn't realize it would move that fast - incredible. Reminds one again how truly small we all are.

 
Posted : March 5, 2012 1:03 pm
(@STXBob)
Posts: 2138
Noble Member
 

The ISS doesn't move that fast. The video is sped up quite a bit. The ISS orbits about once every 90 minutes.

The auroras and lightning in the video are pretty neat.

 
Posted : March 5, 2012 6:18 pm
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