A Fast Pass of the Shuttle

From: sciteach@mchsi.com
Date: Sun May 16 2010 - 04:14:33 UTC

  • Next message: Derek C Breit: "RE: A Fast Pass of the Shuttle"

    A little more than two hours ago, just after sunset, the air was totally still and the sky was clear. At 8:47 PM we spotted the bright dot of the shuttle moving diagonally from the NW to the SE. It reached a high point of 79 degrees. It's orbit (above sea level) at that time was only about 2/3 as high as the ISS. For that reason (I suppose) it appeared to be moving way faster than I've ever seen a satellite go before! Quite an impressive sight.
    
    As I turned to walk back into the house, I noticed a beautiful crescent moon and Venus perfectly positioned in a divide between the silhouetted trees. What a bonus that was! As I photographed that, bats constantly cut through the picture area. Then, suddenly, I heard the sweet call of a Wood Thrush nearby. Nice. Minutes later, as I struggled to use my cell phone to illuminate the settings on my camera a Whippoorwill began to call out time and time again, as they always do. But here in town? In Waterloo, Iowa? No way!! I've never heard one any where near my place before.      
    
    What a special night this was.
    
    Clear skies!
    
    Tom  Iowa  USA
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