observing the iss and shuttle

We had an observing session last friday and we managed to observe the iss through the dobs. That night There was a distinctive shape to it and it had a kind of lattice work appearance.

Well after seeing Frank's images and animations, i decided to have another go. It sure is hard to track in a dob when it is whizzing past near the zenith, but as it got lower, I managed to get a half decent look.

There was a definite shape to it and two different colours. I reckoned I could make out two long solar panels which were kind of orangy and a main section / blob which glowed a brilliant white. Nothing like the detail in the pics, it was moving way too fast but a nice observation all the same.

I will definitely be having a go at this again.

Hi Trevor,
I did the same, I tried tracking with a dobson and all I got was a streak of light while trying to anticipate 5 seconds ahead, I found it impossible to track until it had nearly disappeared over the horizon. then it was all of 2 to 3 seconds viewing a orange glow.

If at first you don't suceed......................

Best of luck next time

Hi sean I find that the laser pointer as afinder is a god send for this, I can point the dob in the path of the iss and try and follow it once it gets into field of view

Hi Lads,
One thing we found when tracking the ISS manually with the dob is that it was really useful for one person to track the scope for you using a telrad while you look through the eyepiece. As for imaging like this, it would be very difficult.

thats a good idea dave, i will have to give it a go,

As for imaging like this, it would be very difficult.

..but not impossible eh?!
Remember our half baked effort with at imaging Saturn?
We did manage to pull a few half decent frames.
Thats all we'd need to get the crew waving out the window!

It'd actually be easier because you would just have the webcam
in the eyepiece holder all the time.
...and if you say you saw the ISS in the eyepiece the last time
then you already know that it works...

I'm gonna stick my neck out here and put you in a corner...
fancy giving it a try?

Friday night looks good!