Sky watch

The clear sky Wednesday evening made for a wonderful view of the ISS and Shuttle orbital pass. With the Shuttle Atlantis about 90 miles behind the ISS, it appeared to be chasing the station across the sky. The addition of the new solar arrays during this mission has amplified the brightness of the ISS substantially. The view of the two fast moving objects only lasted about 3 minutes, but it was fascinating to watch. With some small binoculars, I could actually make out a fuzzy, general shape of the station's solar trusses, but not so much with the shuttle. I watched most of it without the binoculars, because the view of the 2 manned spacecraft streaking through the dark, star filled sky together was inspiring.
There is another viewing opportunity over Decatur tonight, but we may have clouds obscure the event. Maybe the predicted rain will hold off until late.

ISS / Atlantis
Thu Jun 21/10:13 PM
Tonight, there will be about 2-3 minutes of sighting opportunity beginning at 10:13 PM.
The ISS will appear first, rising from 11 degrees above West, and it will remain visible across the sky until about 22 degrees above SW.
The shuttle, since today's landing was scrubbed, will also be visible again tonight, chasing the station across the same trajectory.
If you get a chance to watch this tonight, weather cooperating, enjoy.