Did I see what I think I saw last night?

Gaina · #1 (**permalink**) 17-07-2006, 11:50 PM

Hello All

I was out in my garden last night (Sunday) just after 10 pm and I think I saw the space shuttle. It was tiny and moved very slowly and steadily across the sky. I traced it for a good few minutes before it disappeared again. It didn't scoot across the sky then fizzle out like a 'shooting star' and also it briefly disappeared above these lovely clouds we're seeing at the moment which are on the very edge of our atmosphere.

I live on Somerset if that's any help.

Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks

Gaina

flying red fox · #2 (**permalink**) 18-07-2006, 06:40 AM

Hi Gaina, iam not sure but heres a link of the approach and landing if its any help to you

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13899184/

Also, did you see a trianglular shape because that was what it looked like and it usually travels eastwards across the USA so was it travelling east?

Mr Mag00 · #3 (**permalink**) 18-07-2006, 07:20 AM

sorry to disappoint, but no it was not visible from the UK on the last half of its trip, but it was a satellite. On any clear night you can see dozens crossing all parts of the sky on loads of different trajectories.

NASA - NASA TV Landing Page
NASA - NASA TV Landing Page Goodforlive feed when its up

J-Track Satellite Tracking
J-Track Satellite Tracking this is good for finding which satellite you are looking at.

Mr Mag00 · #4 (**permalink**) 18-07-2006, 07:38 AM

sry about above post my space bar is ruined from too much gaming and i have to hit it really hard!!!!!

Alan · #5 (**permalink**) 18-07-2006, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Mag00

sry about above post my space bar is ruined from too much gaming and i have to hit it really hard!!!!!

Spill some coffee on it, it works wonders

UB4 gardener · #6 (**permalink**) 18-07-2006, 10:11 AM

you can see the international Space station, you could also see MIR before it was retired. For Schedules of when to see the space station from where you are (also great for Iridium flares and others) http://www.heavens-above.com/ i have used it many times and it is spot on.

Chris

UB4 gardener · #7 (**permalink**) 18-07-2006, 10:25 AM

and if you want to feel insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe, click on the spacecraft escaping our sloar system link. furthest example, voyager 1 (launched in Sept'77) is 9,215,266,883 miles from earth, it is still functioning, and only just getting out of our solar system.... not even the galaxy, just the solar system. excuse me while my head explodes............

Tao · #8 (**permalink**) 18-07-2006, 11:07 AM

Hello Gaina.
Another suggestion and link I have is for SpaceWeather.com I recieved an email from them a couple of days ago informing me of an inflatable satellite named Genesis that has just been launced by Russia and this too is visible from Earth. Although I have not checked the filghtpath I think that is possible from the site.

Thanks for the links UB4 gardener, Mr Mag00 and flying red fox. They all come in handy.

Gaina · #9 (**permalink**) 18-07-2006, 02:02 PM

Hehe, good job I didn't put money on being right with my Dad.

Thanks a lot for the links, I'll keep an eye on those sites

Gaina

ollyk · #10 (**permalink**) 29-07-2006, 02:29 PM

I am sure I have said this before, but I will say it again [boast mode on] I once saw the NOSS trio

a group (of which there are a few) of 3 satilites that fly in variable formation, used by the US Navy to triangulate enemy ships at sea - I truly believed I was looking at UFO's or some top secret government formation - I guess that was not too far from the truth, just not so secret anymore!
A site and feelings that will stay with me for quite some time!
Another cool site is when you are watching a satelite and it suddenly 'flairs' as the solor panel directs the reflected sun right at you. It really can be quite bright! You will also notice some satelites 'flash' on and off as they spin round and catch the sun light.