Space Shuttle visits Bristol

Over the last two nights V and I have really enjoyed going out into the garden and watching the Space Shuttle Atlantis fly past. I must admit I was surprised when I found out that the Space Shuttle would be visible from our back garden.

Yesterday night we had a clear night and got a superb view as the Shuttle (currently docked with the International Space Station – ISS) arced across the sky. The Space Shuttle is orbiting at an altitude of over 200 miles and at a speed of around 17,000 mph!

Tonight was another clear night so I got my camera out and took a few photographs. I used a slow shutter speed and the Space Shuttle (and ISS) is the white streak across the sky:

Below, the Shuttle Atlantis passes the moon. During the time these photographs were taken astronauts Rex Walheim and Stanley Love were doing a space walk to prepare the European Space Agency’s Columbus module.

The Shuttle has been visible as a very bright point of light for two minutes as it shoots across the sky. You can use NASA’s Human Space Flight sighting opportunities Web site to find out when you can see the Shuttle and/or ISS.