the hubble space telescope passes at an elevation high enough to be seen in the d.c. metro area this evening. not once, but twice!
the first pass occurs between 6:00pm, from the South West West horizon, and reaches it's highest angular elevation of 20 degress, with respect to the horizon to the South at approx. 6:06pm. it will dip below the South Eastern horizon at 6:12pm.
the second pass (much darker and easier to see, but also lower in the sky) will occur at 7:42pm, again rising from the South West West horizon, reaching a maximum angular elevation of 12 degrees, with respect to the horizon to the South at approx. 7:48pm. it will dip below the South Eastern horizon at approximately 7:52pm.
to get a good view, you will need a good southerly horizon, unobstructed by buildings if you are at ground level. if this is impossible, then try and get up somewhere highto improve your chances.
bundle up with all your cold weather gear. it will be cold outside. amateur astronomy in winter is no joke!
i will be up on my roof deck, fully kitted out, looking like i'm off on a polar expedition somewhere, but hopefully i won't get cold, and i stand a very good chance of seeing the hubble space telescope with nothing more than my eyes and a pair of binoculars. i should get to see venus and mercury, too (no extra charge...)
should be a good test of my winter weather gear...
3 comments:
Fully kitted out- does this involve some sort of thermal shorts, Nutty?
might have to without the shorts for this one, mate!
it's a bit blustery up there. don't want any mishaps, especially with the australian embassy just across the road...
bare bollock star gazing? you'll never cease to amaze. If the aussies give any stick, I suggest you brandish a red serrano...
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