STS 127 SHUTTLE VISIBLE OVER IRELAND 19 MINUTES AFTER LIFTOF

Myself and Fiona watched the launch on NASA TV then went outside 15 mins later (Clarinbridge) with a cup of tea and ciggie on the go.

At about 23:22 we saw the shuttle pass about 30 deg up going in a W to SE direction.

The brightness was incredible - I've never seen anything like it. Even a plane with its landing lights on would be hard pressed to be brighter.

It sure powered off into the distance in less than a minute and was gone very quickly.

We saw the shuttle (very bright white object) followed closely (a couple degress) behind by a slightly dimmer, but still bright, red object. Was that the main engine?

That was one heck of a sight - rare enough I'd imagine so we're really chuffed we saw it. Really brings home what the shuttle represents and all the folks it takes to get it up there. It'll be a shame to see it retire.

Dave

Don't forget the ISS is back over us at 2340
Brian

Class, My first time ever to see something like this,

the shuttle and the tank were very clear in my binos.

just got about 10 seconds, very cloudy here in sligo,

clear skys, Derek

OMG what a site that was great The tank burning up in the atmosphere was amaizing.

Carl O'Beirnes,
J09 Balbriggan Observatory.

Awesome! I swear I could see the light of the external tank change slightly as it moved, probably as a result of slight tumbling?

I'm doing a radio show at the moment (see my sig) and the amount of listeners chiming in since 10pm tonight to talk about it, and STILL texting in and calling in about it is even more awesome! I'm going to announce this site to redirect them...

Seanie.

ISS in T minus two minutes...