Saturday, May 11, 2013

If you look carefully, you might see the X-37B flying above you.

Just wanted to note that Heavens Above tracks the semi-secretive X-37B, an unmanned spaceship in the image of the space shuttle.  The magnitude is counter-intuitive: the higher the number, the dimmer it is, whereas the brightest values are negative; in other words, you'll need a binocular and know where to look.

Note: You have to adjust your location on their map, in order to accurately plot sky maps, paths and times of X-37B passes in the sky above you.

DateBrightnessStartHighest pointEndPass type
[Mag]TimeAlt.Az.TimeAlt.Az.TimeAlt.Az.
23 May4.704:51:2910°SSE04:52:3411°SSE04:53:4010°SEVisible
25 May4.004:35:2910°SSW04:37:5520°SSE04:40:2210°ESEVisible
26 May4.403:42:0613°SSE03:42:2913°SSE03:44:0710°ESEVisible
27 May3.304:21:1215°SW04:23:2131°SSE04:26:1710°EVisible
28 May3.703:27:5022°SSE03:27:5122°SSE03:30:2710°ESEVisible
29 May2.604:06:5319°SW04:08:5244°SSE04:12:0010°EVisible
30 May3.003:13:2934°SSE03:13:2934°SSE03:16:1810°EVisible
30 May2.304:46:4910°W04:50:0261°S04:53:1610°EVisible


I can definitively state that it's not easy to track something that dim, unless you're in a completely dark place.  However, it's really easy to spot the Iridium satellite flares.  These satellites are as bright or brighter than the planets, but the satellites move very fast and is visible for just a few seconds.  When you spot them, it's just the coolest thing.

No comments: