Local astronomers are in for a treat over the next few days as the International Space Station flies over Paris and Blossom.
The space station is visible within a 50-mile radius of where it will travel over, according to NASA.
If you’ve never seen the ISS pass overhead, it looks a lot like a star but is moving incredibly fast — about 17,150 mph (or about 5 miles per second). In low Earth orbit, at an altitude of 254 miles (1.3 million feet), it only takes the ISS 92 minutes to make a trip around the planet.
Spot the Station website, run by NASA, can help pinpoint the best locations near you to see the International Space Station float by.
There are two optimal viewing points for Lamar County, both located along or around Hwy 82 East.
View times for June 5;
Paris– 8:53 p.m., visible for 4 min, max height 59°, appearing at 34° above NNW disappearing at 10° above ESE.
Blossom– 8:53 p.m., visible for 4 min, max height 60°, appearing at 35° above NNW disappearing at 10° above ESE.
View times for June 6;
Paris– 9:41 p.m., visible for 4 min, max height 18°, appearing at 13° above W disappearing at 10° above S.
Blossom– 9:41 p.m., visible for 4 min, max height 18°, appearing at 13° above W disappearing at 11° above SSW.
View times for June 7;
Paris– 8:54 p.m., visible for 4 min, max height 34°, appearing at 30° above W disappearing at 11° above SSE
Blossom– 8:53 p.m., visible for 4 min, max height 34°, appearing at 26° above W disappearing at 11° above SSE.
The site also boasts plenty of information for all expected dates and times. You can even sign up for alerts, so you are sure never to miss an opportunity to see the astronauts and space station as they float by in the big Texas night sky.
To sign up for alerts CLICK HERE.
Photo: Robin Sellers
