Dear Astro friends and family...
As most of you know...the Space Shuttle Vehicle will retire shortly and the days are number of how many more go up in space.. 3 or more??
Tues - Tonight at 7:31pm just above Venus in low west..(must have clear low horizon at this time), The space shuttle(1.3mag) will come across and follow a track most of sky to the north..(staying low about 15degs) cutting across under Cassiopeia and Cepheus constellations.. 14minutes later the ISS-(7:45pm--0.7mag)..International Space station will follow the same track across the sky.
On Thursday night 3/19...still not sure...they will be only a minute or so apart in the sky.. before connecting.. At one time the website show this ..but it has changed.--..I will keep u posted if we can see both of them at same time in sky--on thursday night.
For ISS(0.8mag)(on thursday)..7:04pm..10degs above horizon(note u will be fighting twilight)--Maybe this is why it came off the site...the Shuttle is much dimmer(being smaller) and not a visual in twilight viewing..
Also ..note...if you have a wide field binos..even after it states the object goes into earth shadow...I have done a number of times --following the satellite in darkness with the aid of binos...
NOTE...Since I have many members & friends outside sedona..these numbers and times(above) are for sedona and up to 40mile radius..--For example..if u are in Cottonwood..20miles away the time difference is only 4seconds..not worth mentioning.
But in Vegas or phx.. there is a noticable change..
sincerely dennis
Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society
