Observation Log 6/17/07: ISS & Atlantis, a slim chance, a magic moment


Sometimes things just turn out right

I've never seen the ISS while an orbiter was docked. I've been watching heavens-above.com for a good pass during the current mission. My hopes were high for a a chance tonight, even though the maximum altitude was only 45° or so.

A half hour before the overflight, it was raining heavily. Five minutes to go, and my alarm warned me. The rain was over, and I went outside not expecting much. There were a few small gaps in the cloud deck, and one gap about 4° wide, in a good place to spot the ISS through! As I waited, the night was quiet, and there were fireflies! I haven't seen them since last year, and they faked me out a few times, thinking they were the ISS.

I had a quiet time, hoping the gap wouldn't move and change shape too much before the ISS got there. A light breeze blew, and the air was fresh from the rain. After a long, peaceful moment, the ISS peeked out from behind the clouds and traversed the gap in the clouds. It was near orbital sunset, and turning orange as it flew. I smiled.

Posted: Sun - June 17, 2007 at 10:27 PM             |

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