Local astronomers are in for a treat over the next few days as the International Space Station flies over Bonham.
The space station is visible within a 50-mile radius of where it will travel over, according to NASA.
If you’ve never seen the ISS pass overhead, it looks a lot like a star but is moving incredibly fast — about 17,150 mph (or about 5 miles per second). In low Earth orbit, at an altitude of 254 miles (1.3 million feet), it only takes the ISS 92 minutes to make a trip around the planet.
Spot the Station website, run by NASA, can help pinpoint the best locations near you to see the International Space Station float by.
There is one optimal viewing point for Fannin County residents, located along or around W Sam Rayburn Dr.
Degrees will vary on the location, but depending on which site you set up to view, you can quickly check the details by using the website to get the most out of your viewing time.
View times for June 5;
Bonham– 8:54 p.m., visible for 3 min, max height 54°, appearing at 53° above NNW disappearing at 10° above ESE.
And again at 10:29 p.m., visible for 1 min, max height 10°, appearing at 10° above WSW disappearing at 10° above SW.
View times for June 6;
Bonham– 9:41 p.m., visible for 4 min, max height 20°, appearing at 13° above W disappearing at 11° above S.
View times for June 7;
Bonham– 8:55 p.m., visible for 3 min, max height 37°, appearing at 37° above SW disappearing at 11° above SE.
View times for June 9;
Bonham– 8:56 p.m., visible for <1 min, max height 10°, appearing at 10° above SW disappearing at 10° above SW.
The site also boasts plenty of information for all expected dates and times. You can even sign up for alerts, so you are sure never to miss an opportunity to see the astronauts and space station as they float by in the big Texas night sky.
To sign up for alerts CLICK HERE.
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