Earlier this year, I read an article that mentioned the International Space Station (the ISS). They were talking about some process that the astronauts use while on the ISS. I got curious, as I often do, and I did a little research.
Why can't we see the ISS? We can see the moon and far-away stars. We see planes and rockets that launch. Why can't we see the ISS?
Well, it turns out that we CAN see the ISS! Yep, with the naked eye, passing right over your house. You just have to know when to look!
The ISS is only 249 miles over Earth's surface and traveling a mind blowing 17,150 miles per hour; that's about 5 miles per second! It circles the Earth about 32 times per day. That's quick! And, of course, it only passes over where you are at certain times.
There is an easy way to see it. I've been nerdily watching it
whenever I can. Here's how to do it:
1. Go to the website https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/
2. Click on 'Sighting Opportunities'.
3. Enter your city location
You will be given some dates and times when the ISS will be passing over your area. Sometimes, it will be weeks away and you may have to check back on the site. You can also sign up for email alerts to your mobile phone as to when it's passing over.
When you do get a date and time, you will need to be outside at the time. NASA will tell you the direction to watch and how high it will be in the sky. The best sightings will last about 6 minutes at about 60 degrees in the sky. It looks like a star but it's moving abnormally fast. And you can only see it after dark. I find it so fascinating that 3-7 astronauts are flying through the sky right overhead, every day and most of us are oblivious to it. If you get a chance to see it, post a comment below and tell me your thoughts.
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