Altadenablog always wanted to grow up to be an astronaut, and back in his aerospace days was fortunate enough to actually meet some.  That’s why we’re so excited about Bill Westphal’s latest missive:

The Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-122) is currently docked with the International Space Station (ISS). The position and timing of their orbits will provide two excellent viewing opportunities for us here in Altadena over the next few days.

Visible passes of the ISS happen when the timing of the orbit is just right and light from the setting (or rising) Sun is reflected off of the body and solar panels of the ISS. It appears like a star that is slowly moving across the sky until it disappears into the Earths Shadow. On really good passes, the ISS can be so bright, that it looks like an airplane with its landing lights on.

Saturday February 16

At approximately 6:41 pm (or shortly thereafter because of the hills) they will appear just above the horizon in the Northwest. They will be overhead at approximately 6:44 pm and will disappear into the Earths shadow around 6:46 pm in the Southeast.

Monday February 18

The ISS will appear at approximately 5:47 pm (or shortly thereafter because of the hills) It will appear just above the horizon in the Northwest. It will be directly overhead at approximately 5:50 pm and should be visible all the way to the Southeast horizon where it will disappear around 5:53 pm. This could be a very interesting pass because the Shuttle is scheduled (as of this writing) to undock from the ISS Sunday morning. Depending on its orbit and distance, we should be able to see it fly by near the ISS. More on this later. 

I hope the weather cooperates and we have clear skies.