NASA is asking Capetonians to look outside and spot the Space Station. It will be visible between Wednesday the 6th of May to Friday the 22nd of May.
The next sighting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20.
Follow these guidelines to see if you’re able to spot it
Wednesday, May 20 at 6.39pm
Visible: 2 minutes
Max height: 16
Appears: 16 above north-west
Disappears: 10 above north
Thursday, May 21 at 5.53am
Visible: 1 minute
Max height: 13
Appears: 10 above north north-east
Disappears: 13 above north-east
Time – All sightings will occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset.
Visible –Â maximum time period the space station is visible before crossing back below the horizon.
Max Height – is measured in degrees (also known as elevation). It represents the height of the space station from the horizon in the night sky. The horizon is at zero degrees, and directly overhead is ninety degrees. If you hold your fist at arm’s length and place your fist resting on the horizon, the top will be about 10 degrees.
Appears – is the location in the sky where the station will be visible first. This value, like maximum height, also is measured in degrees from the horizon. The letters represent compass directions — N is north, WNW is west by northwest, and so on.
Disappears – represents where in the night sky the International Space Station will leave your field of view.
