Astronomy thread!

[RICHARD]

Has anyone gone out to watch the ISS and Shuttle fly over lately?


I have caught it three times in the last week.

IT's absolutely spectacular and you really do not need any special equipment to see it.

The Delta Aquarid meteor shower, is visble at 3:00 a.m. on 7/29, and in August the Perseid showers go on for a few days.

YOU can get info about the Shuttle/ISS flybys by looking on the NASA site!

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/skywatch.cgi?country=United+States

[Barbara]

3.00 a.m. - I don't know when it would be over here but probably at a time in which it would be too light to see it!

[Cinder & Smoke]

YOU can get info about the Shuttle/ISS flybys by looking on the NASA site!

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/skywatch.cgi?country=United+States

Wow!

LOTTA good info, sky maps, How to View tips, and other Good Stuff on
that site!

If you*click* on the Underlined words "NASA Skywatch" on that page >>>

<CENTER>
Satellite Sighting Information</CENTER><TABLE width=600 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>The following sighting information is published by the Johnson Space Center, Flight Design Division, Orbit Flight Dynamics Group. Sites are chosen in order to provide a representation of the world's demographic distribution. To compute sighting data for sites not listed here, please use the NASA Skywatch (http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/SSapplications/Post/JavaSSOP/JavaSSOP.html) applet which will allow you to enter your exact location. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

You'll open up a very detailed application that plots viewing data for your
exact Zip code - and gets you to the detailed Skyview Maps that show
you what the sky should look like at the time of the sighting.

Here's a super helpful page >>>
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

Check the article "Sighting Help" in the lower-left corner ... very helpful to learn how they describe where to look.

NEET Stuff, RICHARD!!
;)

[RICHARD]

Check the article "Sighting Help" in the lower-left corner ... very helpful to learn how they describe where to look.

NEET Stuff, RICHARD!!
;)

Tonight's pass was brilliant! It came out of the NW and passed almost overhead. Soon after it winked out as it passed into the earth's shadow.

:D

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

It's fantastic to see it!! No telescope needed!
Hey Richard, did you know that one of the astronauts is a Belgian, Frank De Winne ? He will take over command during several months! We are all so proud here in Belgium!!
this is him! See the Belgian flag on his arm?
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/berlut/DeWinneFrank.jpg

[RICHARD]

See the Belgian flag on his arm?
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/berlut/DeWinneFrank.jpg

That must be really neat to see one of your fellow citizens up in the air!:D

Here in the U.S. we don't look at the space program as anything special-we watch the launches, then forget about the rest of the mission.

Here in Southern California we can hear the sonic booms when the shuttle lands at Edwards Air Force Base!

[RICHARD]

Tonight the Shuttle and the ISS will be visible as separate objects passing overhead.

The shuttle will be first, followed by the ISS one minute later.

Both will come out of the west, the shuttle at 08:46 followed by the ISS at 8:47 PT.

They will both appear about 27-31 degrees from the horizon. THe easiest way to find them is to make a fist and hold it at arm's length.
Put the bottom of your fist (pinky) on the horizon-your fist is about 10 degrees worth of arc- three stacked fists, from the horizon is about 30 degrees!

Good luck!

[Daisy and Delilah]

I was lucky enough to see it last night before 10 p.m. It was awesome. I have only seen the ISS, not the space shuttle yet. I wasn't even aware it is visable to us. Thanks!

[RICHARD]

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

I am giddy!



As the shuttle and space station passed over I saw two falling stars!

With the moon in the sky?

That was awesome!:D

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

I am giddy!



As the shuttle and space station passed over I saw two falling stars!

With the moon in the sky?

That was awesome!:D

Woohoo !! Make a wish Richard!!!Today, you're born to have luck!!!:)

[RICHARD]

Woohoo !! Make a wish Richard!!!Today, you're born to have luck!!!:)

I was so giddy I forgot!


There is one more shuttle pass tonight. Check the NASA site to see what time it comes by!


Last night's pass was so spectacular. The shuttle came first followed by the ISS on the same track-When they were almost directly overhead a shooting star flashed by, about 10 seconds later, another followed!


Tonight's shuttle pass will last less than one minute and will pass low on the horizon!


Good Luck!

[cassiesmom]

Check this out...
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html
I tried it for Chicago. Monday was the night to have seen it and I missed it. But there was a lovely moon last night :) It doesn't get really good and dark around here for looking at the night sky.

[RICHARD]

Check this out...
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html
I tried it for Chicago. Monday was the night to have seen it and I missed it. But there was a lovely moon last night :) It doesn't get really good and dark around here for looking at the night sky.

Well, we are going to have to find you some other stuff to look for!:)

There's TONS of stuff to watch for in the night sky!

Ready? We are going to make you an astronomer!:D

In the next few days, go watch where the sun sets. Now, mark that spot in your head. Then, in the morning watch where the sun rises!

When your neighbors are not looking;), stand and use your left hand to point to the sunset, your right hand where the sun rises!

You are a compass! You are facing north and your back is to the south.

At night, go out, then look up. take a few minutes to get your bearings, find a star you like and follow it for a few minutes every night. You'll start to see things you never noticed!:D

----------------------

Here's another fun thing to do.


Check your local newspaper and see when the moon rises and sets.

Find out when the full moon rises, then take a few mintues to watch!

A setting moon in the early morning hours is very nice treat!

[RICHARD]

It's fantastic to see it!! No telescope needed!
Hey Richard, did you know that one of the astronauts is a Belgian, Frank De Winne ? He will take over command during several months! We are all so proud here in Belgium!!
this is him! See the Belgian flag on his arm?
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/berlut/DeWinneFrank.jpg

http://www.esa.int/esaHS/ESA0EUZUMOC_astronauts_0.html

:)

[kokopup]

Frank De Winne is quite an accomplished young man and Astronaut.
Belgium should be very proud of him. Lut it looks like he grew up
very close to you.:)

[RICHARD]

Yeah!

Just saw the Shuttle land, always a nailbiter and good to see it went well.

Month old underwear and all that!;)

:D

[RICHARD]

Lunar Eclipse on Aug, 5 2009
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OH2009.html

[Cinder & Smoke]

Lunar Eclipse on Aug, 5, 2009
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/OH2009.html

:eek:
Those pages need a Translator to ride along with you!
:confused:

Looks like Wednesday's Lunar offering won't be much of a show in the USA.
(IF I read the chart properly.)

[Karen]

Cool, but we only get to see it at moonrise. Thankfully, I scrolled down to the part of the pdf I could understand!

[RICHARD]

I went to 6 sites before I could get something that I may have understood!:eek:

4 had to do with how the eclipse affects your astrology forecast!:eek::rolleyes:

I tried to do some homework, I need a dog to eat it maybe?:(

[Cinder & Smoke]

Cool, but we only get to see it at moon rise.

I scrolled down to the part of the .pdf I could understand!

I didn't find ANY part that was "understandable"! :p

OK, Miz Smartie-Pantz ...
Just tell me WHEN and WHERE to look.

/s/ Dummie

[RICHARD]

I was looking for some info about a missle launch from Vandenberg AFB on the 23 of this month and found this page.

http://www.spacearchive.info/vafbmultimedia.htm


These are some of the pics that us left coasters get to see when they shoot off a rocket from VAFB!

In years past, there was no media coverage for launches-now it's more accessible and if they post the time for launch-and it's a early evening or early morning launch, you get a show!

Growing up in the 70's and 80's if I was out and saw something lighting up the sky, I had to stop and wonder if it was the 'War' starting!:rolleyes::eek:

[RICHARD]

Tomorrow, NASA will launch the Discovery after two delays.

One of the highlights of the launch is the crew - For the first time there will be two Hispanics on board as crewdogs.

Jose Hernandez is a California (Stockton) native and his story is a pretty good one.

He came from a family of braceros, migrant farm workers, who chased seasonal crops, and work, from Central CA down to Mexico.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts128/interview_hernandez.html

An especially good story. Where else can you go from picking fruit as a kid to putting together pieces of the International Space Station as an adult? :D

[RICHARD]

Great launch and good luck and godspeed to them all!:)


http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/skywatch.cgi?country=United+States

There are many sighting opportunities to see the ISS and the Shuttle on this mission!

There are some long passes - 4+ minutes this time out.

13 days - try to catch it at least once, you won't be disappointed!

[RICHARD]

Got to see the short ISS flyby this morning.

WOW, it was really cool. Especially when it catches the sunlight and BOOM it lights up like a light bulb.

Again, If you get a chance check it out. It's fun when you drag someone outdoors and point it out to them!

[RICHARD]

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!

Earlier today the Space Shuttle and ISS undocked and went their separate ways.

They both are on the same track/orbit and chase each other across the sky as the shuttle gets ready to land.

Tonight's pass was almost 5 minutes in length and passed almost directly overhead.

Spectacular.

[RICHARD]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32757086/ns/technology_and_science-space/

[RICHARD]

DUDE!


CHECK OUT THE CLIP OF THE TEST FIRING OF THE ARIES Rocket booster.
That was freaking awesome....:D

Fire, noise and smoke!

[RICHARD]

I am a total nerd.



I went out to catch the sonic boom when the shuttle slows down on it's entry into the atmosphere.

I was REALLY loud this time-and it set off a few car alarms up the street.

Welcome home!:D

[RICHARD]

WOW!

BBC just ran the premiere of James May on the Moon.

I really hate him, He was able to fly on a U2 up to 70,000 feet.

Next week they will air a special on Neil Armstrong!


I am going to have the longest week waiting.

[Cataholic]

Slightyly OT- on Friday night, J and I went to the Observatory and got to view Jupiter and 3 of it's 4 moons in the super huge telescope. It was unreal, really. I never realized how cool it would be to see that.

[RICHARD]

Slightyly OT- on Friday night, J and I went to the Observatory and got to view Jupiter and 3 of it's 4 moons in the super huge telescope. It was unreal, really. I never realized how cool it would be to see that.

That's not off topic.
Isn't that the greatest thing in the world?

I saw Saturn at the Griffith Park telescope and never looked back.:D

IT's all happening 'over your head'!!!!;)

With a 'good' telescope you can see Venus and how it goes thru moon-like phases!

[RICHARD]

DUDES!

The Leonid meteor shower is on this morning!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33891078/ns/technology_and_science-space/?GT1=43001

[RICHARD]

Check this bad boy out!!!!

http://www.kktv.com/news/headlines/70414727.html

[RICHARD]

On friday Nov, 27 the shutle and space station will have separated and will be seen 'chasing' each other acrioss the sky about one minute apart.

A fascinating opportunity to go outdoors and look at the stars.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

The link is on the left hand side under "sightings"!

Pick your country and follow the instructions!

[Karen]

You know, it is almost always cloudy when the Leonids are expected overhead here. I suppose that, being that it's always happening in November, that's to be expected, but every once in a while it's a clear night. Maybe next year.

[RICHARD]

The other night I was watching a special on the Cassini/Huygens probe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassini-Huygens

The tech is pretty remarkable, but, I am always facinated by the timing.

NASA took this ship, flew it to Venus and used the planet to slingshot it out to Jupiter.

They know where the planets will be in the future but to plan thing out that far in advance.......incredible.

-----------------------

The last few nights were great for watching the shuttle and ISS pass overhead.

The best possible sighting is after the split up and chase each other across the sky. Last night they were both visible for two passes.

I also got a glimpse of another satellite passing overhead.


Again, NASA tells you when and where to look and they always deliver.

(they did have a typo/error in the listings this mission, They fixed it later on!)

[RICHARD]

WOW.

I got a double dip last night.

And boy am I tired.:D

The Geminid meteor shower was last night and tonight, and Vandenberg AFB launched a rocket this morning that was not as spectacular as the early evening launches, but still was a sight to see.

It left a nice luminescent trail in the sky.:)

[RICHARD]

Blue moon on Thursday night!!

http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1803441/once_in_a_blue_moon_this_new_years_eve/index.html

[Alysser]

This is one of the coolest things I've read in a long time, I want to be the first to sign up :D This got me so excited this morning.

Lunar Lava Tube Could Sustain Moon Colony (http://http://www.sphere.com/nation/article/lunar-lava-tube-could-sustain-moon-colony-scientists-say/19300699?icid=main|main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww .sphere.com%2Fnation%2Farticle%2Flunar-lava-tube-could-sustain-moon-colony-scientists-say%2F19300699)

[smokey the elder]

Thought this was interesting, and we get Mars as a bonus! http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20100129/sc_space/biggestandbrightestfullmoonof2010tonight

As a bonus, there will be a total lunar eclipse on Dec. 21, which also corresponds to the winter solstice!

[RICHARD]

Thought this was interesting, and we get Mars as a bonus! http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20100129/sc_space/biggestandbrightestfullmoonof2010tonight

As a bonus, there will be a total lunar eclipse on Dec. 21, which also corresponds to the winter solstice!

Cool, I heard about this last night and it slipped my mind,

We also have a shuittle launch on Feb 7!

[RICHARD]

http://www.aolnews.com/science/article/6-space-oddities-of-the-year-so-far/19416586

Check out how close we came to that asteroid.

80,000 miles?:eek::eek::eek:

[RICHARD]

No one noticed that there is going to be four women in space on this space mission?

Nasa sent up some locks for the hatches to keep the men from going on a walk to "get away for while".:rolleyes::eek:

[wombat2u2004]

Did anyone see Halley's last time it was around ????

[RICHARD]

did anyone see halley's last time it was around ????

me me me me!

[wombat2u2004]

me me me me!

Me to. It was great eh ??? Just think of the people who were born after that event, and may pass on before it returns.
What they will miss out on.

[wombat2u2004]

Hey Richard.......go read this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Evans_(astronomer)

Bob is a friend of mine. He lives in Hazelbrook, Blue Mountains.
I first met him around about 2001, and did building work on his home for him on and off up until about 4 years ago (I no longer live in the Blue Mountains).
He's the nicest guy you could ever meet, and always willing to show you his gear and sit down over a coffee and talk to you about what he has spotted in the heavens.
I was at his home one day, and he and his wife were most excited about a new supernova Bob had spotted the previous evening. He was waiting for a phone call from some USA lady astronomer doctor who logs the info on the supernovas and records the names of whoever first spots them first.
Bob got the phone call about 11am that day, and hung up the phone with a big smile on his face.....I knew then what had happened....he had spotted a new supernova and contacted the USA observatory some 5 minutes before some Japanese guy did.
I think Bob has the highest score in the world now for visual sitings.
If you ever make it to downunder....I'll intro you to him.....a most interesting man he is.

[RICHARD]

Hey Richard.......go read this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Evans_(astronomer)

Bob is a friend of mine. He lives in Hazelbrook, Blue Mountains.
I first met him around about 2001, and did building work on his home for him on and off up until about 4 years ago (I no longer live in the Blue Mountains).
He's the nicest guy you could ever meet, and always willing to show you his gear and sit down over a coffee and talk to you about what he has spotted in the heavens.
I was at his home one day, and he and his wife were most excited about a new supernova Bob had spotted the previous evening. He was waiting for a phone call from some USA lady astronomer doctor who logs the info on the supernovas and records the names of whoever first spots them first.
Bob got the phone call about 11am that day, and hung up the phone with a big smile on his face.....I knew then what had happened....he had spotted a new supernova and contacted the USA observatory some 5 minutes before some Japanese guy did.
I think Bob has the highest score in the world now for visual sitings.
If you ever make it to downunder....I'll intro you to him.....a most interesting man he is.

WOW, I remember hearing something about that "5 minute window" story.

I am a space geek and am jealous.



Wom,

check this out, well worth a nice early morning walkabout.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

[wombat2u2004]

WOW, I remember hearing something about that "5 minute window" story.

I am a space geek and am jealous.



Wom,

check this out, well worth a nice early morning walkabout.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

Thats a good site mate. I'll add that to favourites.

[RICHARD]

Thats a good site mate. I'll add that to favourites.

I am sorry, I didn't explain it very well.

Under the 'sightings' space on the left you can figure out when the shuttle/ISS are passing over your house. It's a blast and I have been following the last 4-5 flights.

One of the best views is toward the end of the mission. The Shuttle and ISS undock/split up. You can watch them track across the sky, chasing each other in orbit.:)

[wombat2u2004]

I am sorry, I didn't explain it very well.

Under the 'sightings' space on the left you can figure out when the shuttle/ISS are passing over your house. It's a blast and I have been following the last 4-5 flights.

One of the best views is toward the end of the mission. The Shuttle and ISS undock/split up. You can watch them track across the sky, chasing each other in orbit.:)

I had a good look mate, and clicked on my location etc etc.
I think there is only about 5 sitings I can do in the next few weeks, and they only last a couple of minutes.

[RICHARD]

I had a good look mate, and clicked on my location etc etc.
I think there is only about 5 sitings I can do in the next few weeks, and they only last a couple of minutes.

The wonder of it will keep you going out to watch, I caught the flyby this morning....I woke up at 1:30 and could not go back to sleep...:rolleyes:

During other flights the has been as many as 7-10 passes, If the orbit is right? You may see a two passes in about one hour!:eek::)

[wombat2u2004]

The wonder of it will keep you going out to watch, I caught the flyby this morning....I woke up at 1:30 and could not go back to sleep...:rolleyes:

During other flights the has been as many as 7-10 passes, If the orbit is right? You may see a two passes in about one hour!:eek::)

I remember having one pointed out to me a while ago, but it never lasted long. Maybe being in the northern hemisphere, you are closer to space than we are :p

[RICHARD]

I remember having one pointed out to me a while ago, but it never lasted long. Maybe being in the northern hemisphere, you are closer to space than we are :p

Check it out.....

Do you have a globe in your house?

Our hemisphere is closer to UP. Up is closer to the stars.

We win.:p;)

[wombat2u2004]

Check it out.....

Do you have a globe in your house?

Our hemisphere is closer to UP. Up is closer to the stars.

We win.:p;)

Yeah, but doesn't that mean the rogue asteroid will hit you guys first ??? :p

[RICHARD]

Yeah, but doesn't that mean the rogue asteroid will hit you guys first ??? :p

Remember- Poop Flows Downhill.:eek:;)

[wombat2u2004]

Remember- Poop Flows Downhill.:eek:;)

Will I have time for my final tea and cookies ??? That's the question.

[RICHARD]

Will I have time for my final tea and cookies ??? That's the question.

Microwave!?!?!? And I'd keep some cookies close by?:eek:

-----------------------

Oh my, Just came in from the ISS/Shuttle pass.

It passed almost overhead and was on for about 2 minutes, the moon was up and really bright, had it been a moonless night it would have made the pass even better. I could not believe how bright the station was with a quarter moon in the sky.

Tomorrow's pass is a three minute showing!:D

[wombat2u2004]

Microwave!?!?!? And I'd keep some cookies close by?:eek:

-----------------------

Oh my, Just came in from the ISS/Shuttle pass.

It passed almost overhead and was on for about 2 minutes, the moon was up and really bright, had it been a moonless night it would have made the pass even better. I could not believe how bright the station was with a quarter moon in the sky.

Tomorrow's pass is a three minute showing!:D

What do you see it with mate ??? Do you have a telescope ???

[RICHARD]

What do you see it with mate ??? Do you have a telescope ???

Eye, Mark I model!;)

It's easy to spot, It's the brightest and fastest :eek: thing in the sky. When they are separated they dim somewhat-probably by half? But, you can pick them out from the background quickly!

I do have a telescope, a simple 600 power job that I have been able to see the phases of Venus with and other stuff, when I know where to look!:D

The Shuttle/ISS move way too fast to keep the telescope on them.

I do most of my quick viewing with a pair of regular binoculars, unless I have the time to set it up in the backyard.

[wombat2u2004]

Eye, Mark I model!;)

It's easy to spot, It's the brightest and fastest :eek: thing in the sky. When they are separated they dim somewhat-probably by half? But, you can pick them out from the background quickly!

I do have a telescope, a simple 600 power job that I have been able to see the phases of Venus with and other stuff, when I know where to look!:D

The Shuttle/ISS move way too fast to keep the telescope on them.

I do most of my quick viewing with a pair of regular binoculars, unless I have the time to set it up in the backyard.

I've got a scope, but it's not that powerful, so I don't use it much.
A normal surveyors theodolite is good for planet spotting, I did a bit of that in the army.

[RICHARD]

:eek::eek::eek:

[wombat2u2004]

:eek::eek::eek:

OMG....it's Flash Gordon

[RICHARD]

OMG....it's Flash Gordon

LOL, you need the ersatz rocket motors to spit out sparkles, Can't do that indoors!:confused:

[wombat2u2004]

And the smoke.....lots of smoke. ;)

[RICHARD]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37473581/ns/technology_and_science-space/?gt1=43001

Look Out!

[Bonny]

I hope they don't get to close & smack into each other.:eek:

[wombat2u2004]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37473581/ns/technology_and_science-space/?gt1=43001

Look Out!

This is an omen.
We are doomed. :eek:

[RICHARD]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37580576/ns/technology_and_science-space/?GT1=43001

Oh, boy!!!!!!:D

[RICHARD]

The Russkies launhed the Progress unmanned shuttle that will be docking with the ISS in the next few days. The NASA site has not posted the viewing times yet, but you can watch it catch up to the ISS in the next week or so.

:D

[Alysser]

The Russkies launhed the Progress unmanned shuttle that will be docking with the ISS in the next few days. The NASA site has not posted the viewing times yet, but you can watch it catch up to the ISS in the next week or so.

:D

Viewing as in seeing it from earth or on their website? I wasn't able to see it last time, and I wasn't able to see the ISS this summer like some people were able to. :p I need to see this stuff more often.

[RICHARD]

Viewing as in seeing it from earth or on their website? I wasn't able to see it last time, and I wasn't able to see the ISS this summer like some people were able to. :p I need to see this stuff more often.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

Go the the right side of the link and put in your location.

If you have any ???? post them and I'll help you out.