If you see what looks like a very bright star moving across the sky over Newcastle, it could be the International Space Station.
For the next fortnight, the International Space Station should be visible in the early morning or during the evening over the Newcastle region if the weather remains clear and cloudless. This is a great opportunity for families who are interested in space to spot the station.
Orbiting at 350 kilometres above the earth, the International Space Station station is an active scientific laboratory orbiting the earth and is currently conducting research into space physics and human body in space.
At the moment, the International Space Centre is home to Expedition 63 Crew which includes Chris Cassidy, Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley from NASA and Alexey Ovchinin and Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Wagner of Roscomos from Russia. Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley are new additions arriving last Sunday on the first commercially built and operated American spacecraft SpaceX. Astronauts usually stay for approximately six months on the ISS.
Here’s some information about when you will be able to locate the International Space Station in the morning and night sky for the next fortnight.
On the NASA website, there is an online tool which indicates when and where the ISS will be visible. It even gives you directions on how to spot it in the night sky.
The following ISS sightings are possible through to 25 June 2020.
Newcastle
Lake Macquarie
Maitland / Cessnock / Kurri Kurri
According to NASA, the station “looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it doesn’t have flashing lights or change direction. It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane (airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles per hour; the space station flies at 17,500 miles per hour)”.
The Space Station is typically visible around sunrise or sunset, because the sun reflects off the space centre and can be seen against a darker sky. Sightings are limited to only a few minutes.
If you miss the ISS during this period, you can sign up for reminders as to when it will be back again.
Want more ideas for family fun? Check out 50 Free & Low-Cost Things To Do With Kids Around Newcastle.
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.
