Space Station flyover tonight
Forecasters predict partly cloudy skies for tonight's flyover by the International Space Station. But maybe we'll get lucky.
The giant tinkertoy is making an early evening appearance in dusky skies just northwest 
of Baltimore. Look for a bright, steady, star-like object rising above the western horizon at 5:03 p.m. EST as it tracks northeastward along the Appalachian mountain chain. If it blinks, or has colored lights, it's an airplane. Keep looking.
The ISS will climb more than halfway - 56 degrees - above the northwest horizon by 5:06 p.m., then slide off to the northeast, disappearing into the Earth's shadow at 5:10 p.m.
There are currently six people aboard the station, five men and one woman. There are two Russians, two Americans (including the lone female), a Latvian and an Italian. The station is larger than a five-bedroom house, and weighs more than 816,000 pounds. It is orbiting about 218 miles above the Earth, at a speed of about 17,500 mph.
As always, after you've dragged the kids and the neighbors out to watch, stop back here and leave a comment. Share the experience.
Comments
I had a great view in Upperco, It seemed like it wasn't moving though. Usually it zips right across the sky.
FR: You may have been seeing Jupiter, which is very bright and high in the SW now. We were on The Sun's garage roof and weren't able to find the ISS until it was well past us, headed off to the NE. Must have been the bright sky, coupled with unlucky sun angles. Better luck next time.
Posted by: Michelle Brown | December 29, 2010 5:13 PM
Great! The italian starman is Paolo Nespoli!
Paolo i'm looking for him in the sky all days this Christmas Holiday. Great Paolo, the first italian on the ISS.
FR: Hooray! My grandfather, the late Pasquale Serafini, would have been proud. Here's Paolo's bio: http://bit.ly/cOXHat Now where are the cheerleaders for the Latvian starman, Alexander Kaleri ? http://bit.ly/hk58F9
Posted by: John | December 29, 2010 5:55 PM
Yes my wife and daughters saw it. very cool thanks for the info
Posted by: Jeffre Kelts | December 29, 2010 6:54 PM