[GCARC] ISS visible pass tonight 8:10pm

[Jim n2gxj]

from time to time, sunlight reflecting off of the solar panels and large
structure of the International Space Station (ISS) allows it to be seen to
the naked eye as a bright dot gliding slowly in an arc across the darkened
sky for a few minutes, typically just before sunrise, or after
sunset, clouds permitting.

Tonight is one of those nights.
Interested in trying to see it?  Interested in trying to hear it on your
radio?  Read on.

Standing outside around 8:08pm, face South so that you see the Moon in the
sky
8:08pm - to your right (to the West), the ISS will brighten as is rises up
from the horizon
>From 8:10pm - 8:11pm it will brighten significantly as it glides from right
to left, at this time being nearly straight in front of you, facing South,
on a path that is about 3 / 4 of the way up into the sky between the moon,
and overhead
8:12pm - an interesting thing happens.  The ISS continues across the sky,
but quickly fades out to where can't see sunlight reflecting off of it
anymore. Why? Think of the sun that set a little while ago.  Thought the
ISS is up high, at this point, it enters the Earth's shaddow.

If want a skymap, here is one for Southern New Jersey:
https://www.heavens-above.com/passdetails.aspx?lat=39.7416&lng=-75.0789&loc=NJ_home&alt=45&tz=EST&satid=25544&mjd=60947.0074478355&type=V
(note this is designed on purpose to be held over your head if you print
it, so that West is on the right when facing South).

There is a Kenwood amateur radio on board the ISS.  Default mode is for FM
voice repeater (145.990 MHz up {PL 67} & 437.800 MHz down).  You might be
able to hear some chatter there on your hand-held if tune to the down
frequency and listen near when is at peak height in the sky without having
to fiddle with doppler frequency changes and such.  Tip: tilt your antenna
so that it is sideways to the arc the ISS travels through the sky, rather
than straight up like you normally do.  Makes sense, right?  This repeater
is up in the sky.

If you miss tonight, there's another chance tomorrow - though forecast
might include more clouds.  Still, might be worth trying.  Monday's pass
goes from North-West towards South-East passing with highest point just the
North of overhead around 7:23pm.

Have fun!
Jim