Fao Wendilla (or any other ISS enthusiasts!)

[slinkycat]

First of all, thanks Wendilla for always alerting us to upcoming sightings. Didn't realise it was visible until I saw your posts, but we always try to look out for it now.
My son mentioned tonight, why haven't we ever noticed it before?
We spent many years camping on the Gower, and one of the pleasures was stargazing, and looking out for satellites.
Can't understand why we never noticed it then, or the countless other times we've looked up at the sky, seeing as it seems to go past so much.
Has it become easier to spot recently?

[boxtops]

Hi slinkycat - I've only really become aware of it since I joined AB and saw wendilla's posts - most people don't really think about it, I know I didn't (although I've always liked loking at the stars). The internet makes knowing where it is, so much easier though!

[slinkycat]

Yeah I guess that could be it Boxtops, just can't believe that in all the competitive satellite spotting we did on the Gower, not once did we see one that made us go "What The Funicular is that!"

[boxtops]

Depends how long ago it was too, slinkycat - I think it's been up there since 1994.

I used to holiday in the Gower as a child (we had relatives in Sketty) but there was nothing artificial up there in those days!

[Jemisa]

Same as boxtops wasn't aware of satallites until I joined AB.
Last night it was spectacular & moving so fast, even my H was impressed.
Thanks Wendilla.

jem

[slinkycat]

I've been doing some reading up on it tonight, it was launched in 1998 and first manned in 2000, and has been added to over the years.
Find it amazing every time I see it, and its surprising how few people realise its visible.
Went away at the weekend and made sure I took the times with me, our friends were very impressed,
Hubby is on nights now, and he texted to say him and a load of workmates went out to watch it.
Good work Wendilla :-)

[Maydup]

Like you, I didn't realise it was visible until I saw the posts on here. I'm still deligted to see it each time.

Thinking about it, I suppose you'd have to be fairly lucky to be looking up on the right day, at the right time and on a clear night to catch a glimpse, if you idn't know about it. But I wonder if there are more reports of UFO since it was laucnhed?

[MrIncredible]

http://www.heavens-ab...g=-1.979&Alt=1&TZ=GMT

Just post your wherabouts on this webpage and it will tell you not only when the iss is going overhead but sateliites as well!

[slinkycat]

Had a quick look at that site mr.incredible, looks great thanks. Not sure if the satellites will be very clear where we are, but will try to spot one now I can find out times etc

[MrIncredible]

I first started using this webpage back in 2000/01 when the MIR spacestation was left to crash/burn into our orbit, Its final days were really great, some really good day time views as well!
I think the Envisat is one of the largest of the satelites (although I could be wrong!)
but definalty one to look out for some great views!

[wendilla]

Thank you SLINKCAT and all. I just started watching it 3 years ago and found out about it by someone posting. I have only found out more by reading different articles on here.Yes it has got bigger in the 3 years I have been looking out with all the extra parts that have been added to it. There is no point in me trying to tell you technically as I don't really fully understand myself.When you know the exact time it is visible it always comes dead on time. You may see on the tracker that it goes over us frequently but is not always visible so only the visible times are put up. Endeavour the shuttle is on it's last flight and takes off this Friday evening so there is a chance we might see a double flyby at the weekend if SS is still on our course.Will post times but if you go to NASA TV you will get all the info there. Too see a double flyover is breathtaking . I have only seen 4 double flyovers including the last one a few weeks ago.Good luck Tonights sighting is 9 53pm for 4 mins W DEPARTING ESE

[wendilla]

http://spaceflight.na...a/tracking/index.html