Q&A on the News

Q: I know its still up there because a computer was recently delivered to the International Space Station, but we never get word that it is flying over us. It seems like forever since we were made aware of a flyover.

Dr. James C. and Marjorie S. Waggoner, McDonough

A: A NASA website spotthestation.nasa.gov provides times and dates when the International Space Station can be viewed from many areas of the world through its Location Lookup menu. The website also provides tips on spotting the space station and includes a section to sign up to receive email or text alerts when it can be viewed in your area.

The website shows several opportunities this week when the space station can be seen from the McDonough area, including four-minute period around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday and three minutes each about 8:33 p.m. Thursday and 7:45 p.m. Friday. The International Space Station is about the size of a football field and can be seen from earth without a telescope.

Q: What is the combined population of the countries with golfers who participated in the Ryder Cup, compared to the population of the United States?

Petie Freeman, Roswell

A: The European Ryder Cup team included professional golfers from Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales). The combined population of those countries is 274.2 million, using estimated figures for 2014. The U.S. has an estimated 319 million people, according to the Census Bureau. The European team defeated the U.S. team on Sept. 28 and has won eight of the past 10 Ryder Cup championships, dating to 1995.

Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? Well try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).

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Q&A on the News