For those that do not know, the International Space Station or ISS is actually visible from Earth with just your eyes. For those that do not know however, NASA wants to make sure you do. The well-known space agency has created a service that will send you email and/or text alerts when the ISS is floating in space above your location.
The service is called âSpot the Stationâ and it allows you to give your email address and receive notifications when the ISS, which happens to be the third brightest object in the sky, is orbiting above your area. The ISS passes over roughly 90 percent of the Earthâs population so the majority of people will be able to have a chance to play spot the space station at some point. Hopefully sooner than later though eh?
The website which hosts âSpot the Stationâ is sure to emphasize that you will only receive these alerts when there is a chance of a âgoodâ observation. This means that you will only receive alerts when the space station is in view long enough to make a spot of sky gazing worthwhile. Even with such restrictions in place though, NASA is confident that viewing opportunities come along several times a month.
The International Space Station was launched in October 2000 and is about the same size as a football field. According to NASA, the ISS “has more livable room than a conventional five-bedroom house, and has two bathrooms, a gymnasium and a 360-degree bay window.”
Given the views from space Iâd love to see through that 360-degree bay window!
For those that want to join in the fun of playing Spot the Station, you can sign up to receive alerts here! – http://spotthestation.nasa.gov/
Have you seen the space station? Have any great pictures? Share it with us below!
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