Updated 2001.12.06 @ 12:10:23 (yr.mo.day @ hr:min:sec) from two line elements available from CelesTrak in the Current Data, 100 (or so) Brightest category. These predictions are valid for:
Langley Res Ctr VA.
Latitude 37.091 North, Longitude -76.381 West.
The times given are local time (hr:min:sec, 12 hour format).
On 2001.12.05, sunset occurs at 4:45 p.m., civil twilight begins at 5:18 p.m.
A graphic example of how to interpet transit predictions is available to assist in understanding the descriptions that are listed below.
The Endeavour launch occurred Wednesday night at 5:19 p.m. EST. The ISS was on the other side of the earth during this launch and was not visible until approximately 6:22 p.m. in the northwest, and very nearly in the earth shadow at that time. Endeavour trailed along about 30 minutes later in darkness on the first orbit. I apologize for not updating these items earlier, working assignments have kept me very busy - Jim Byrd.
The rocket plume of Shuttle Endeavour was seen low in the southern sky about 6 minutes after launch, proceeding up the US East coast no more than about 20 degrees above the southeast horizon. Check this link to a previous Endeavour launch to have a better idea of what was observed approximately one year ago.
At some point during the week the ISS/Endeavour combination will raise orbit and arrive no more than 5-10 minutes later than the posted times for the rest of the week.
(ISS) Wednesday, 2001.12.05. A west to north transit
from 6:22:33 to 6:24:57 p.m. Peak elevation will occur in the
northwestern sky at 6:23:45, 34 degrees above the horizon.
Orbital altitude 372.4 km.
Updated 2001.12.06 @ 1200 EST. On Thursday evening Shuttle Endeavour should be following the ISS by no more than 10 minutes.
(ISS (ZARYA)) Thursday, 2001.12.06. A southwest to northeast transit
from 5:19:57 to 5:24:45 p.m. Peak elevation will occur in the
southwestern sky at 5:22:21, 78 degrees above the horizon.
Orbital altitude 370.8 km.
On Friday afternoon Shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to dock at 1515 EST.
(ISS/Endeavour) Friday, 2001.12.07. A west to northeast transit
from 5:55:57 to 5:59:33 p.m. Peak elevation will occur in the
northwestern sky at 5:57:57, 21 degrees above the horizon.
Orbital altitude 370.7 km.
(ISS/Endeavour) Saturday, 2001.12.08. A west to northeast transit
from 4:53:57 to 4:58:45 p.m. Peak elevation will occur in the
northwestern sky at 4:56:21, 47 degrees above the horizon.
Orbital altitude 370.5 km.
(ISS/Endeavour) Sunday, 2001.12.09. A northwest to north transit
from 5:30:21 to 5:32:45 p.m. Peak elevation will occur in the
northwestern sky at 5:31:33, 15 degrees above the horizon.
Orbital altitude 370.3 km.
Address comments or questions to:
James E. Byrd jbyrd@members.vectec.org - 757.864.5961