Catch the International Space Station over Columbus tonight and tomorrow
Columbus residents will have an opportunity to see the International Space Station fly overhead this week.
The International Space Station, a large spacecraft that orbits Earth, is home to an international crew of astronauts who conduct scientific experiments and maintain the station.
Here's when you can catch the ISS over Columbus this week, including how to view it and what to look for.
What times can you see the space station?
The International Space Station has been visible over Columbus since Friday, but the last chance for viewing this week is on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the space station will be visible for three minutes, starting at 9:07 p.m.
The visibility window for Wednesday is even longer, lasting six minutes starting at 8:19 p.m.
Sightings can range from a couple of times a week to once a month. You can sign for alerts for when the station flies over Columbus on the NASA Spot the Station website.
How do you view the International Space Station?
The International Space Station is best viewed against a dark sky within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset. The sun will reflect off the space station and create a contrast against the sky during dawn or dusk.
On Tuesday, the station will be visible from 10 degrees above the horizon to the west to 15 degrees above the horizon to the south by southwest. Maximum visibility will be 16 degrees above the horizon.
On Wednesday, the station will be visible from 10 degrees above the horizon to the west-northwest to 10 degrees above the horizon to the south by southeast. Maximum visibility will be 27 degrees above the horizon.
The horizon is 0 degrees, and 90 degrees is directly overhead. An easy way to measure distance above the horizon is to hold your fist at arm's length, and with the bottom of your fist held at the horizon, the top of your fist will be about 10 degrees.
What does the space station look like in the sky?
The space station looks like a bright star or an airplane in the sky, but without the flashing lights. It will also be moving faster than a typical airplane, as the space station flies about 30 times as fast.
More space: What is the smallest planet in our solar system? Hint: It's not Pluto.
tmoorman@dispatch.com
@taijuannichole
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: View the International Space Station over Columbus Oct. 3-4
