Because of the nature of my job, I spend a lot of time online. As a result, I come across some pretty cool websites, and I’d like to share these treasured finds with you.
In this new blog series, Favorite Websites, I’ll post my favorite sites with you, and will give you tips on how you can use these websites. I hope you enjoy!
Favorite Website: Heavens Above
With people spending more time outside now that it’s Spring (almost Summer), here’s a good website to start with – Heaven’s Above. This website will help you identify the satellite’s you can see in the night sky, as well as dates and times you can observe them. You can also use this website to track the International Space Station and when it flies over your area.
Heavens Above – https://heavens-above.com/main.aspx
Before you start to use this website, I highly recommend you create an account and enter your location. By doing this, you will have the most accurate data as far as dates and times to look to the night sky.
Create an Account:
- Click the Login link in the upper-right corner of the website
You’ll see a login window where you can create your account.
- Click the Create New User Account link, then enter a User Name and click Next
- Enter a Password and your Email Address, then click Create User
- Click Continue to add your location
- Enter your home address in the Enter Place to Search For text box, then click the Search button. Select your address from the Search Results list, then click the Update button at the bottom of the screen
- Your updated location will now appear in the location box in the very upper-right corner of the website, and you’re ready to start using the website!
Use the Website:
To use this website, simply click on the satellite(s) you’re interested in under the Satellites heading.
For example, click on ISS …
…and you’ll see all the dates and times the ISS will be visible in your location. This chart also includes where to look in the sky (see the Alt. (altitude) and Az. (azimuth) columns.
When you click on the Date, you will also see a sky chart, like the image below.
Additional Tips and Notes:
- With the recent launch of the SpaceX Starlink Satellite string, you can now use Heavens Above to help you spot this string of satellites. How cool is that?! Just click on Starlink (leader) or Starlink (trailer) under the Satellites heading.
- My family and I used to watch for Iridium Flares all the time. It was so exciting to see those bright flashes in the night sky when one of the satellites passed over us. While newer satellites are no longer being made of iridium, there are still some of the older satellites in orbit, so you still have the chance to spot one of their flares. Click on Iridium Flares under the Satellites heading for more information.
- I highly recommend you click on the links under the Astronomy heading, as well. There’s a lot of really good information within these links!
I hope you enjoy this website as much as my family and I do! Have fun!
Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you.
