NASA has announced that, if you’ve never seen the International Space Station (ISS), this is the week to do so. The ISS will be in almost constant sunlight from Wednesday through Friday, offering an incredible view to sky gazers across the country.
NASA has a site to help you figure out when the ISS will be visible over your city, at this link.
The ISS—a partnership between the space agencies of the US, Russia, Japan, Canada, and Europe, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Construction began in 1998 and is scheduled to be completed in 2010. Seventeen crews have lived aboard the orbiting complex since 2000, including the current crew of three. Station residents have conducted important scientific experiments and gathered data to help assist future missions to the moon and Mars.
The next space shuttle mission, scheduled to launch 31 May, will deliver the Japanese Pressurized Module, the largest payload to the station so far. Another unique viewing opportunity for sky watchers is when the shuttle is docked to the station, making it appear even brighter in the night sky.