Stay focused, early afternoon today, the International Space Station will be moving across the Moon, visible to the naked eye in only 4 provinces, including Bangkok
In just four provinces, including Bangkok, the International Space Station will pass in front of the moon tonight, making it visible to the naked eye. Mr. Worachet Boonplod, a member of the Astronomical Society of Thailand, announced on January 7 that people could observe many satellites passing across the sky in the early evening and early morning hours. Although they appear to be stars, satellites are not stationary. Near-Earth orbiting satellites move at a moderate speed—not very fast, but not slow either.
The International Space Station will be moving across the Moon today
Remember that the movement can be observed with the naked eye. Satellites don’t have their light; they glow by reflecting sunlight. The International Space Station (ISS) is the brightest man-made object currently orbiting the Earth. Its brightest point may be similar to Venus. There is currently an extensive amount of data regarding satellite and space station orbits, which are updated continuously. This enables us to accurately forecast satellite motions ahead of time at the second level. There are computer and mobile programs and websites that offer this kind of information.
According to Mr. Worachet, it was determined that the International Space Station will cross Thailand on the evening of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, based on its current orbit. It is visible to the unaided eye between 19.22 and 19.27 hours. The space station will first emerge close to the southwest horizon before ascending farther into the sky. In each region, the space station’s trajectory concerning the constellations will vary. Slightly more than half (56%) of the moon is bright in the sky and close to the space station’s path when it is visible in the sky. At roughly 19:26:43 hours, the space station will cross the moon and enter the Earth’s shadow.
Millions of people could see the International Space Station despite the brief transit
The Astronomical Society’s board stated that the International Space Station is expected to pass in front of the moon via a 4.2-kilometer-wide, tight route. The path’s center line passes through several provinces, including Prachuap Khiri Khan, the Gulf of Thailand, Samut Prakan, east of Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, and Nakhon Ratchasima (before the space station enters Earth’s shadow). It only lasts 0.5 to 0.6 seconds during the passage in front of the moon. It is recommended for people to watch this transit, as it is rare to witness the International Space Station passing in front of the moon from any point in time.
Depending on the situation, it can occur during the day or when the space station is under Earth’s shadow. But because of the moon’s high position in the sky, this time it is deemed appropriate for observation. Due to its exposure to sunlight, the space station seems to be a bright star traveling across or close to the moon’s surface.
Two NASA astronauts have been stuck on the International Space Station since June 2024
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore had only intended to spend eight days in space, but after their Boeing Starliner aircraft had numerous issues, they became stranded on the International Space Station. It was back on Earth without them by September. Along with two other astronauts, the two appeared to be in a good mood as they spoke to NASA authorities during a live video event on Wednesday night.
Both astronauts expressed that they do not feel abandoned but want to return home as they left their families a while ago. The astronauts, together with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov and NASA astronaut Nick Hague, are waiting for NASA’s next crew to reach the ISS so they can board the rocket home.