Video Transcript:
How Can I See the Space Station?
Alexandra: The International Space Station is one of the most visible objects in the sky! Even though it' s orbiting at more than 380 kilometers above Earth, there's a good chance you can see it clearly from the ground. And you don't even need to use a telescope or binoculars! (Tosses binoculars). You just need to know when and where to look for it!
Usually, the best time for you to catch a glimpse of the orbiting laboratory is either just after dusk or before dawn, because the spacecraft is most visible when it's in sunlight and you're in darkness ( Shots of people outside at dusk gathering to see the ISS).
(Animation - simulating ISS flying through sky.) It generally appears over the western horizon and disappears within a few minutes over the eastern horizon. It will look a little like a slow-moving star, but it's actually crossing the sky at over 28,000 kilometers an hour !
You can get the latest information on when and where the Space Station will pass over your area, online. You'll also find sighting tips and details about life onboard the station - direct from NASA's Mission Control.
Learn more about space exploration at nasa.gov.
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