Watch Space Station go over as fireworks burst in mid-air

By William Atkins
Saturday, 04 July 2009 19:30

Science - Space

As the Fourth of July 2009 weekend celebrations occur in the United States, people in America and other parts of the world will be able to see spectacular views of the International Space Station fly over the night sky as it orbits 220 miles (355 kilometers) above. Fire off those sparklers and celebrate international cooperation of science and technology!


The NASA press release “Space Station Appearing Nationwide Over July 4 Weekend” states, “As America celebrates its 233rd birthday this holiday weekend, there will be an extra light in the sky along with the fireworks. Across the country, Americans will be treated to spectacular views of the International Space Station ….”

In fact, the press release states that many U.S. areas will see the space station fly over as long as five minutes per sighting. Now, with cloudy conditions on the morning of July 4th in the Midwest, these sightings may be difficult.

But, in twelve hours, weather conditions may have changed for the better.

Even more exciting, beginning the fourth of July weekend, the ISS will appear once, twice, and, in some locations, three times a day for many days in a row.

For a brilliant picture of the space station flying over Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano on July 3nd, go to the NASA article “Space Station Marathon.”

The article also states, “In bright evening twilight, the International Space Station soars over Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano on June 3, 2009.”

Page two tells you two places to go to see when the International Space Station flies over your local night sky.