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If you are lucky, see Shuttle Mission STS-125
05.17.2009  20:30


As you are aware, Space Shuttle mission STS-125 is currently orbiting high above the Earth, with the famed Hubble Space Telescope (HST) captured and mounted perpendicularly in the bay. I was curious if there would be any opportunities to see the combination of HST and Space Shuttle streaking by in the night sky for us in North America, so I consulted a great online tool to determine suitable overhead tracks (if you are not in North America, then try it for yourself and perhaps you will have better luck).

Heavens Above is a very informative site that any amateur astronomer should have in his or her toolbag (i.e. bookmarked in your browser). It can display Earth orbiting satellite overhead tracks, customized for any latitude and longitude. The site also keeps track of the brightest comets currently visible, as well as other interesting tidbits.

What it shows for Los Angeles is that STS-125 will pass overhead early in the morning on May 22, from 05:26 to 05:28 PST, albeit at a mere 10 to 12 degrees in altitude. It will appear towards the south, and orbit towards the southeast.

STS-125 is scheduled to land at 11:41 am EDT, so California is fortunate to have this one opportunity to see the bright reflecting shuttle streaking by, although the telescope will already be separated from the shuttle by that time.

STS-125 patch, Wikipedia File:STS-125 patch.svg

Unfortunately, the shuttle overhead pass is below the horizon for people residing much further east of California. Floridians will be able to hear the sonic-boom as the shuttle descends through the atmosphere however!
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© 2008, Andrew Ging