sts 134 and external tank over south coast of Ireland

HERE WE GO AGAIN !!!!!!!!

Hi Folks.My names is eamonn Cregan,and Id like to just alert everyone that because of the week long postpoment of the last flight of shuttle Eandevour to next friday night it looks very likely the we in Ireland will get one last oppertunity to see the Space shuttle AND EXTERNAL TANK blaze across the skies just 20 mins after launch ..29-04-11.

Calling all Astronomy Clubs and Photography clubs to spread the word and try to capture this event that only we in Ireland are lucky to witness.

Regards Eamonn from co.kerry

I've been lucky enough to see this twice. The first time I saw it I nearly passed away happily. I was standing there with my binos not really sure of what I might see. Then I saw discovery and the tank falling away behind it, I was speechless. Just stood there with my jaw hitting the ground. I will never forget that.

I would strongly encourage anyone (especially) if you haven't seen this before NOT to miss this. You will NEVER get another chance.

Thanks for posting it Eamonn.

Dave.

Sounds amazing. So is it only visible from the south coast. I am in Donegal, will it be visible from northern half of the country?

No, it will be visible right across the country. Its just the further south you go it will be higher above the horizon. It passes overhead just off the south coast.

Excellent! Thanks Dave and sweet Eamonn. Now all that has to happen is for the weather to behave itself! Heres hoping!

My experience mirrors Daves. I was sceptical of descriptions of what to expect because...well you know the story, Did you see glorious Red mars last night? What, you mean Mars with the faintest tiniest hint of a pinkish hue?

Well when people described the blazing orange fuel tank I figured, Yeah Right!

OMG. I was blown away. Firstly it was way brighter than I expected when it cleared the house rooves up the road at 5º altitude. I was blown away at how fast it moved across the sky. By the time it reached its zenith alt in the sky the shuttle was like a moving blazing bluey white Venus and underneath was a blazing rich deep orange/amber fuel tank.

Incredible.

Usually when I look at the ISS I visualise the weightless astronauts inside leisurely going about their business with the Blue Danube playing in my head.

With the shuttle still climbing to orbit 18 minutes after launch as it passed over us I couldn't help but visualise the crew strapped into their seats and grimacing from the G forces with Meatloafs 'Bat Outta Hell' playing in my head