When can I see the Space Station this week? – pennlive.com

Those of us back here on Earth will have several chances over the next seven days, including a couple particularly good chances, to spot the International Space Station as it orbits our planet.

Even with the best sky conditions, NASA projects that only iffy chances to see the ISS will present themselves this week.

None of the upcoming opportunities will see the ISS as high over the horizon as 40 degrees, the minimum point for which NASA issues one of its Spot the Station alerts.

NASA explains, The horizon is at zero degrees, and directly overhead is 90 degrees. If you hold your fist at arms length and place your fist resting on the horizon, the top will be about 10 degrees. Each additional fist-depth above the horizon is roughly another 10 degrees of elevation.

Here are this weeks opportunities:

The sighting opportunities occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset, which are the periods when the Sun reflects off the space station and contrasts against the darker sky.

According to NASA, "the space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it doesnt have flashing lights or change direction. It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane (airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles per hour; the space station flies at 17,500 miles per hour).

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Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.

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When can I see the Space Station this week? - pennlive.com