ISS 8pm Mackay

supernova1965 (Warren) · #1 16-11-2009, 10:58 PM

I am almost 100% sure that I saw the ISS in my scope tonight through a 20mm EP but it was just like a star with no detail but moving quite fast from west to east which matches what this web site said http://www.n2yo.com/
"Live real time satellite and Space Shuttle Tracking and Prediction" but I was expecting to see more detail as in Mike's photo so Mike must have used something more powerful that a 20mm. It was a complete fluke with me I didn't plan it but I was able to follow it for some time about a minute give or take seconds. Had some good views of Jupiter tonight seeing was the best I have had it yet got the most detail I have yet had. I also got my first look at the great Nebula in Orion tonight very excited
and will look for the Horse Head tomorrow if my neck holds up I haven't been able to get out as I am having to wear a neck brace at the moment but I couldn't resist as the weather is good at the moment would have to be one of the worst things for a stargazer to suffer, and I don't want to waste any chance to use the scope when we are heading into our wet season and I may not get many chances for a while.

tonybarry (Tony) · #2 17-11-2009, 08:26 AM

The ISS has an maximum apparent angular diameter of **about** 30 arc seconds (depending on where it is in the sky). Jupiter is around the same angular diameter right now.

The ISS also moves in a highly inclined orbit, (51 degrees) so we almost always see it traversing from either NW to SE, or SW to NE. It will be unlikely at your latitudes to see it moving W to E.

www.calsky.com can help here.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Tony Barry

Mick (Michael) · #3 17-11-2009, 08:45 AM

The ISS was not visible from Mackay on that night. If your interested in satellite observations check out the following links. http://www.heavens-above.com/ and http://www.stoff.pl/

supernova1965 (Warren) · #4 17-11-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick

The ISS was not visible from Mackay on that night. If your interested in satellite observations check out the following links. http://www.heavens-above.com/ and http://www.stoff.pl/

Ok thanks for that info when I went to the web page that I mentioned it showed it as having just gone over head but I trust you and will try out your suggested sites I wonder what it was then? I am still unsure as to how to track down sightings as yet I thought I was getting the hang of it but obviously I need more practice Thanks for your replies.