Friday, November 27, 2009

Awesome

I saw something for the first time last evening. As I was watching the news yesterday morning, Don the weather guy mentioned that the International Space Station could be seen in the evening. He gave the time and said to look to the northwest where it would appear. I set my alarm and five minutes before the time, Jan and I bundled up and went to the backyard to watch. Suddenly she said, "There it is!" As we looked, there it came, streaking along at what we understand was 17,000 mph. It was as bright as the planet Venus. As it came closer we noticed a second light behind it, matching it's speed. Our suspicion was confirmed today. It was the Space Shuttle Atlantis.  The two streaked across the sky toward the southwest, bright and visible the entire way until it was far enough to the southwest that we could no longer see it. Awesome!! I will remember that forever. And for people in Kansas City, it will be visible again tonight. It will be visible from 6:04 to 6:07, and will enter the sky from the WSW, 33 degrees above the horizon, and exit our sight at the SSW and 11 degrees above the horizon. If you are in Kansas City, this will be well worth your time to find a great place to view it!!!!!