People often ask about seeing the ISS (International Space Station).

There is a fairly good sighting starting at about 22.13 tonight and be visible for about six minutes.

It will become visible at about 10 degrees in the south west and culminate at about 39 degrees in the south before disappearing in the east at 22.18.

It will pass just above Jupiter the "star" that caused so much discussion a week ago.

Very interesting, thanks

How will we know what to look out for?

Just look for a 'star' that moves steadily across the sky between those two points.

I'll be looking out - it looks quite clear here.

I'm sorry, but how will we know what two points we are looking between?

I've seen it. Amazing to think really.

BTW once the full compliment of solar panels are up it'll be much brighter!

Well I assume you know which direction south west is - just look in that general area quite low down in the sky - make sure your view isn't obscured by buildings. You don't need to know absolutely specifically which point to observe, because you should be able to notice a moving object.

Thanks.

I'll have a look if I can remember.

This is a map to show the path.

See the black line on this path

http://www.osprey2005.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ISS1.gif

The ISS is now south east of Australia.

I can't make head nor tail of that.

That's the path the ISS is taking, at the moment, if its over ozz, it will be by Ophiuchu?
And at around 22:13, look south west and you should see it

Its cos we are the other side and they are the stars you dont see!

If thats wrong sorry folks! but interesting thread

Well if one has never sen it before it is best to find Jupiter (that big bright thing in the south) and it will pass just above Jupiter.

In any case there are even better opportunities tomorrow and Monday.

this is cool

http://www.astrophoto.fr/iss_atlantis_transit.html

Oh that is a very nice picture.

that guy must have squealed with delight when he got that pic. fantastic!

Yes as my map shows it does go through Ophiuchu. The station is now approaching the west coast of South America.

Many years ago I remember the Daily Mail would print the times Space craft could be viewed every night. We would often stand in the garden watching them. There was one memorable one, I think it was when the US and USSR space craft met up.
The Mail no longer publishes the times for some reason, so I'll definitely go outside and have a look tonight. Thanks for the info.

Here is a handy page to bookmark.

http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdat...region=England

ISS just leaving S America. It will be visible in the UK in about 13 minutes from now.

3 minutes to go.

just went out to watch.

overcast.

don't you just LOVE clouds?
*strangles one*

Very easy indeed. Much higher than I expected.

I got a really good view - it was quite bright as it passed across the sky.

And some fireworks were being let off two or three miles away as well, so I saw those for free too.

Yes I had the bonus of a meteorite too.