CINCINNATI — If you spot a bright, non-twinkling light moving slowly through the Tri-State skies this Memorial Day weekend, it could be a very identifiable flying object in space.
According to Cincinnati astronomer Dean Regas, the International Space Station will visit the skies above the region multiple times over the next four days.
Fans of all things space will be able to spot it — if the skies are clear enough — up to five times:
- Friday, May 24 — The space station will pass low in the northern sky between 9:52 p.m. and 9:58 p.m.
- Friday, May 24 — It'll make a second pass in the northwestern sky between 11:29 p.m. and 11:31 p.m.
- Saturday, May 25 — Face north to northwest to spot the space station between 10:30 p.m. and 10:43 p.m.
- Sunday, May 26 — Look to the north to spot it between 9:49 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.
- Monday, May 27 — The space station makes its final visit in the southwestern skies between 10:35 p.m. and 10:39 p.m.
The International Space Station looks, from Earth, like a bright star — but unlike a star, its light is more constant and doesn't twinkle.
Regas said the space station will look several times brighter than even the brightest star in the sky as it slowly moves along its trajectory.
"If the skies are clear, you can't miss it!" wrote Regas in an email.
While the ISS should be plenty visible with the naked eye, those who would like to gaze at it a little closer can do so through a telescope — several of which are available to check out for free from multiple Cincinnati Public Library locations. When you pick one up from the library, they also come with a star chart and two books written by Regas to help on your stargazing journey.
Regas previously worked with the Cincinnati Observatory for 23 years, but has recently been working on other projects, like a podcast with WVXU and educational outreach.
Watch Live:
