SPACE STATION TO BE VISIBLE OVER EAST COUNTY SATURDAY

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November 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Thanks to reader Tom Lemon for letting us know that the International Space Station will be visible over East County this week. You can check this NASA site to learn about viewing opportunities in your community: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

Best viewing will be on Saturday, December 1 around 5:40 a.m., Lemon advises.

“Astronomers like the cool and clear nights of winter. The viewing, or "seeing" as they refer to it is better because there's less turbulence in the atmosphere,” says Lemon. You don't need to have a big telescope on a mountain top to enjoy the night sky, he notes.

“You'll need be up and ready by 5:30 Saturday morning, to make your tea or coffee and wear something to ward off the morning chill," Lemon adds. "The ISS will appear low on the horizon from the North-West at 5:40 AM and be directly overhead at 5:42, continuing to the South-East where it will pass near the very bright planet Venus.and disappear from view at 5:46. There's no need for a telescope or binoculars as the ISS will be the brightest object in the sky.”

While Lemon says he is hopeful for clear skies, the National Weather Service predicts partial clouds that could impede viewing.

Lemon adds that as the space station passes over, “I usually smile, wave and say "Hi, Astronauts.’ Brave explorers. “

 


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