The same situation plays out for skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere in November–December when that hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun. But around the time of solstice the station's orbit and Earth’s day–night terminator nearly align, and the shiny craft comes round again and again like a ball on a tether.Īround the time of the summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere and winter solstice for the southern hemisphere, the Sun never sets on the ISS as seen in this video made on board. Normally, only one or two passes are visible at dusk or dawn with the others eclipsed by Earth's shadow. Other times of year, when the orbital inclination is less extreme, the ISS passes into the shadow, reducing its appearances to one or two a night. Astronomers refer to the steep tilt as a high beta angle. For Northern Hemisphere observers, the station sidesteps Earth’s shadow. ![]() Around summer solstice, the steeply inclined orbit (51.6°) of the International Space Station, combined with the sunward tip of Earth's Northern Hemisphere, tilt the station's orbital plane nearly face-on to the Sun. As the ISS circles the planet every 90 minutes, punctual skywatchers can witness up to 5–6 passes each night, the first in evening twilight and the last at dawn. For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the ISS avoids eclipse by Earth's shadow and remains in full sunlight pass after pass. From an astronaut’s point of view, the Sun never sets, the orbital equivalent of the Land of the Midnight Sun. Clear skies and a crazed determination to stay awake all night, a trait common among our tribe, are all you need.Įvery year in May and June, the space station remains in sunlight, or nearly so, throughout its orbit. If you're game, you can even participate in what satellite watchers informally call an ISS Marathon. The ship and crew of six astronauts will make visible passes for skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere every hour and a half from dusk till dawn. The International Space Station (ISS) will be your constant companion the next few weeks. The International Space Station enters a special season this month, when it makes passes all night long. Here are some fun and unique ways to see and share it. ![]() The annual International Space Station Marathon is underway with multiple passes visible each night.
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