International Space Station

[Mr-H]

Having seen this last night (or could it just have been Father Christmas) I just wondered whether, at an altitude of approx 160 miles, would it generate a contrail, or is it too high? A neighbour believes she took a photo of it today, at 0957 (timeline is right for a pass) but I wonder if it was a plane at 6 miles, or ISS AT 160? I know it's Christmas, but I'd love to prove her wrong!! Any ideas?

[grasscarp]

The iss is at 230 miles and does not leave contrails

[Tuvok]

You see the ISS due to sunlight reflecting off its solar panels.

Doubt you would have seen it during daylight.

If you go to

http://www.heavens-above.com

and choose somwhere near you or use your latitude and longitude you will get times when you can see it from your location. Always give it a few minutes either side of the stated time. What you will see will look like a fast moving star. Remember, negative numbers are bright eg. -1.5 is brighter than -0.5


To check for planes use FlightRadar24 - either their app or website.

[guitpic]

No contrail from the ISS - too high. The folks on board would be in big trouble if there was. Its in freefall anyway so not jetted around. The ISS looks like a bright white star/planet, as bright as venus and doesnt twinkle. Moves silently and not quite as fast as a high alt plane would seem to. A small telescope will show the solar panels etc.

[waterboatman]

Needs to be in the atmosphere to have a contrail. simples. tch!

[DTCwordfan]

whatever, it's heavy cloud and pissing down here, so no chance of seeing it, at least no snow which boaty may now be getting.......