Spotting the ISS With My Binoculars: A Lucky Moment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the experience of spotting the International Space Station (ISS) using binoculars. The user shared their excitement about observing the ISS as a streak of light while looking at Sirius, confirming its position with the ISS Tracker app. They highlighted the visibility of the ISS, noting it appears as a non-twinkling light, and mentioned the use of apps like "Sky View Lite" and "ISS Detector" for tracking. The user expressed a desire to enhance their observation experience, acknowledging the ISS's size and structure visible even through binoculars.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of how to use binoculars for astronomical observations
  • Familiarity with ISS tracking applications such as ISS Tracker
  • Basic knowledge of celestial navigation, specifically locating stars like Sirius
  • Awareness of the International Space Station's significance in space exploration
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to effectively use "Sky View Lite" for tracking celestial objects
  • Learn about the features and benefits of the "ISS Detector" app
  • Explore techniques for improving binocular observation skills for astronomy
  • Investigate the visibility and tracking of the ISS using telescopes
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, casual stargazers, and anyone interested in tracking and observing the International Space Station.

Prof Sabi
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I JUST spotted the ISS with my powerful binoculars,
How luck I am... :woot: I was looking at Sirius and just then a streak of non twinkling light passed through, when I ran to desktop to check ISS tracker i saw it was just over India... I feel very lucky to see the greatest project of mankind history :D...
 
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It is very cool to see, especially when you aren't expecting it. I was BBQing with some friends a month ago and saw it unexpectedly. It wasn't even very dark outside yet. Same thing: checked an app to verify.

I've never put binoculars on it: what did it look like?
 
Just a light streak moving fast... When I located it, it was just passing below Sirius in the evening eastern sky.. Well I just ran and told everyone In my house bout that :smile:
 
My Binocular is nothing before your telescope in your pic by the way :-p But still I had a great feeling, even I saw it unexpectedly
 
[google] Oh; up to about 50 arcsec in diameter, which is big enough that it should have some structure even in binoculars! I need to put some effort into looking at it...
 
I tried but it was fast... I just got a glimpse
 
Prof Sabi said:
I JUST spotted the ISS with my powerful binoculars,
How luck I am... :woot: I was looking at Sirius and just then a streak of non twinkling light passed through, when I ran to desktop to check ISS tracker i saw it was just over India... I feel very lucky to see the greatest project of mankind history :D...

If you have a smart phone, there is a free app called "sky view lite" that is pretty decent. You can locate ISS on there and even Hubble.
 
Surely I will try the app... Thanks mate :)
 
  • #10
Prof Sabi said:
My Binocular is nothing before your telescope in your pic by the way :-p But still I had a great feeling, even I saw it unexpectedly

russ_watters said:
[google] Oh; up to about 50 arcsec in diameter, which is big enough that it should have some structure even in binoculars! I need to put some effort into looking at it...

It looks like this when passing overhead (through an 800mm lens):


 
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  • #11
The best part is that, humans are there... A sense of peaceful world. I always saw ISS on youtube with Suni Williams as a guide, fidget spinners up in space but looking it directly gives a great feeling
 

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