Space Station Live Video of the Earth

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the live video stream from the International Space Station (ISS) and its implications for astronauts aboard, particularly regarding their experience of time and orientation due to the rapid orbit of the ISS around the Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express excitement about the live stream from the ISS and its ability to show the Earth from space.
  • One participant shares a link to the ISS's current location, noting that visibility is affected by whether the ISS is on the sunlit or dark side of the Earth.
  • Another participant comments on the speed of the ISS, highlighting its travel speed of 27,662 km/h as impressive.
  • A question is raised regarding the potential disorientation astronauts might feel due to the ISS's rapid orbit, comparing it to experiences of scientists in polar regions during polar night.
  • Participants clarify that one complete orbit of the ISS takes about 90 minutes, correcting an earlier assumption about the orbital period.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the orbital period of the ISS being approximately 90 minutes, but there remains uncertainty regarding the effects of this rapid orbit on astronauts' orientation and experience.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the astronauts' living conditions and the effects of rapid orbital periods on their daily routines are not fully explored or resolved.

Tom.G
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Wow! It's a live stream from ISS!
 
Borg said:
Here's the home page which shows its current location. You won't see anything when it's on the dark side of the earth.
https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/ESRS/HDEV/
Thanks! Although I knew it already, but it is still unbeliveable to see ISS traveling at the speed of 27662km/h:))
 
By the way, I have a question:If ISS orbits the Earth with a period of about 2~3 hours, then won't the astronauts feel disoriented?Like scientists in the arctic circle when polar night occurs?It seems like ISS has a lot of windows and no special sleeping areas which have scheulded lighting
 
One orbit is actually 90 minutes.
 
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Borg said:
One orbit is actually 90 minutes.
Oh! :wideeyed:
 

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