Weather
Clear View Of International Space Station Tonight For Maryland
The timing of the sunset will allow for a clear viewing of the International Space Station across Maryland. Here's how to see it.
BALTIMORE, MD — Wednesday night, Nov. 29, offers Marylanders a rare celestial treat: the International Space Station will be visible to the naked eye as it makes its orbit around the Earth, thanks to ideal viewing conditions.
In Maryland, experts say the space station should be visible for about four minutes around 5:34 p.m, according to NASA. Viewers can look for it 36 degrees southwest until it disappears 16 degrees northeast. NASA recommends using a compass to help determine the correct direction. At the peak, it will appear 85 degrees above the horizon.
The National Weather Service in Baltimore predicts mostly clear skies tonight, so there should be little cloud cover to block sky-watchers.
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Wednesday is an ideal viewing time because the space station will be high in the sky and illuminated by the setting sun, NASA spokesperson Stephanie Schierholz told NBC Washington. The sunset in DC will be at 4:44 p.m., allowing for the space station to be more visible against a darkening sky. Other times, buildings can block the view of the space station, which often hangs low over the horizon.
If you miss Wednesday's gig, don't fret. Viewing will be almost as opportune Friday, Dec. 1, when it's visible for four minutes at 5:26 p.m and Sunday, Dec. 3 for five minutes at 5:18 p.m. Forecasters predict mostly clear skies both evenings, as well.
Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As the largest human-made object in low Earth orbit, the space station is often compared to the size of a football field and can be seen without a telescope. NASA regularly calculates opportunities to view the International Space Station for over 6,700 locations worldwide. Sightings usually occur within a few hours of sunset or sunrise.
To see the exact viewing times for your town, see NASA's tracking tool. Plus, follow NASA's six astronauts on Twitter @NASA_Astronauts for stunning images from space.
Watch Now: Clear View Of International Space Station Tonight
— Includes reporting by Patch Editor Emily Leayman
Image via NASA
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