ISS: Visual Telescopic Observation – October 9/10, 2012

Digital Illustrations of the International Space Station – October 9/10, 2012 – 0245 UT

Observation Notes:

With the SpaceX Dragon supply vehicle a few hours away from docking with the ISS, I thought I’d have a look tonight. No luck spotting the Dragon, but it did give me a chance to follow the ISS at the telescope. At the shallower angle, I didn’t notice as much detail in the solar panels as the last observation, but the structure of the central modules did get some added dimension from the radiators.

This link will take you to the previous observation and sketch series from late August: ISS – August 28/29, 2012

Subject International Space Station
Max. Elevation 49°
Min. Distance 542 km
Magnitude -2.4
Date/Time October 9/10, 2012 – 7:43-7:46 PM MST (0243-0246 UT)
Observing Loc. Flagstaff, AZ – Home
Instrument Orion SkyQuest XT8 Newtonian (203 mm dia./1200 mm F/L)
Eyepieces/Mag. Pentax XW10 (120X)
Conditions Clear, breezy
Seeing 5/10 Pickering
Transparency Civil Twilight