July 21, 2009
International Space Station Viewing
Evidently we will be able to see the International Space Station as it encircles above Portland skies.
With our high temperatures and clear skies, the viewing should be ideal.
Tonight, Tuesday, look to the West North West about 10:36 pm. If you have never seen a man-made satellite crossing overhead, you will need to look for a bright light moving across the sky in a straight line. The object (light) will be moving faster than any airplane you have seen, so keep a watchful eye. The light that you are seeing is actually the sun reflecting off of the exterior of the space station. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
“Since the space station has little or no light of its own, you’ll only be able to see it when the station is in sunlight and folks on the ground are in darkness. The best viewing times are the hours just before or after sunrise or sunset while the station is passing overhead. A list of viewing times can be found here http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/.
What you’ll see:
Assuming the station is in sunlight, it should appear as a bright and fast moving star. The longest the station will remain in view to a ground based observer is 4 minutes. When passing directly overhead, the station zips from horizon to horizon is 240 seconds or less. For most locations, the viewing window will be 120 seconds (or less).
Where to look:
Where to find the space station depends entirely upon where you are as the station comes into viewing range. Generally speaking the station is moving from west to east in its orbit around the earth but the ground track for most of North America changes over time and the station may appear to “rise” anywhere from the northwest to southwest depending upon its orbital phase. Check the NASA website for more details.”
We will also be able to see it again Wednesday and Thursday nights. I’ll try to find out the correct times for you to be “looking up”. Enjoy!!!
PS: See next post where Portland Firefly lists the times for you at www.PDXFirefly.com.
PS: There is a newer post on July 25th for the ISS viewing here in Portland. It has more information for you that should make your Sunday night viewing more enjoyable. Click on www.PDXFirefly.com.
Oregon Brew Fest
The Oregon Brewers Festival is the quintessential celebration of craft beer and it will be held from July 23-26th at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
“The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the nation’s longest running and best loved craft beer festivals. Situated on the west bank of the Willamette River, with towering Mt. Hood as a backdrop, it is the ideal venue for anyone who loves craft beer. With a laid back attitude and scores of award-winning beers, the festival reflects the essence of the city of Portland.
The festival’s focus is craft beer, but there’s more than sampling involved. The event features live music all four days, beer-related vendors, beer memorabilia displays, beer writers and publishers, hop growers, home-brewing demonstrations, and an assortment of foods from a variety of regions. The Crater Lake Root Beer Garden offers complimentary handcrafted root beer for minors and designated drivers. Minors are always welcome at the festival when accompanied by a parent.
The Oregon Brewers Festival strongly encourages responsible drinking, and urges patrons to take advantage of the MAX Light Rail line, located just one block west of the festival on SW Oak Street. Go by bus, train or taxi, just don’t drink and drive. The festival also offers free, on-site bicycle parking.”
