International Space Station Visible In WI Skies: When To Look Up
This could be a good week for people across Minnesota to poke their heads in the sky to get a glimpse of the International Space Station. The International Space Station, which has been in orbit for 25 years, is visible in Wisconsin for several nights if conditions permit it. The longest window for viewing is on Saturday, when it should be visible for about 7 minutes starting at 7:54 p.m. local time. The maximum height on Saturday will be 51 degrees. However, skies over the Milwaukee metro area could be cloudy due to potential weather conditions. The optimum time to see the space station is within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset. Unlike other unidentified flying objects, the space plane is easily distinguishable from other lights in the sky due to its faster movement and higher altitudes.
Published : 2 months ago by William Bornhoft in Science
WISCONSIN — This is a good week for people across Wisconsin to poke their heads in the sky to get a glimpse of the International Space Station.
In orbit for 25 years now, the International Space Station looks like a bright star or small plane, but travels much faster, at 17,500 miles an hour, according to NASA. If sky conditions allow it, the space station should be visible over the next several nights. The longest window for space station viewing is on Saturday, when it should be visible for about 7 minutes, starting at 7:54 p.m. p.m. local time. Friday, Sunday, and Monday are good nights for viewing, too.
NASA offers more tips on where to look in the sky to spot the space station. The max height on Saturday will be 51 degrees. It appears in the southwest sky and disappears in the east-northeast sky. However, skies over the Milwaukee metro area could be cloudy this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
The space station is constantly in orbit, but is more visible at times due to the reflection of the sun against the darker sky. The optimum time to see the space station at any time of year is within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset. Unlike unidentified flying objects that are the focus of a special office at the Pentagon, the space station is easily distinguishable from other lights in the sky. It doesn’t have flashing lights, moves much faster and at higher altitudes than an airplane and moves across the sky from east to west.
Topics: Space