Historic Walk at La Motte in Franschhoek
Discover interesting history and heritage of the Franschhoek area on the La Motte estate ...
We'll get through this. CapeTownTogether Follow our social channels for useful news, daily local champions + find moments of joy | |
![]() | +27(0)72 350 2062 |
![]() | Ideas Cartel - 113 Loop Street |
![]() | www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe |
![]() | CapeTownMag |
![]() | CapeTownMagazine.com |
![]() | capetownmag |
The ISS will be crossing our morning skies throughout July
Last update: 14 July 2020
Apart from the moon and the sun, the International Space Station will be the brightest thing in Cape Town’s sky this month. The ISS is a little brighter than a star and circles Earth every 90 minutes, letting its crew see 16 sunrises and sunsets a day. But it can be difficult to spot. Here’s how you can catch a glimpse of the International Space Station this July.
HERE’S WHEN TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE SKY
Until 23 July, the International Space station will orbit above Cape Town. Each sighting is only a short glimpse, between one to six minutes long.
Date |
Time |
Time visible |
Where to look |
Tues, 14 July |
18:26 |
< 1 min |
NNW |
Sat, 18 July |
07:02 |
1 min
|
NNE |
Mon, 20 July |
07:02 |
6 min
|
NNW |
Tues, 21 July | 06:14 | 4 min | NNW |
Wed, 22 July | 05:29 | 1 min | NE |
Wed, 22 July | 07:03 | 6 min | WNW |
Thurs, 23 July | 06:17 | 4 min | WNW |
IT’S ALL THANKS TO THE SUN
We can see the International Space Station for the same reason we can see the moon: the light of the sun is reflected off its surface. However, unlike the moon, the Space Station isn’t bright enough to see during the day.
Because of this, as well as the fact that it is constantly moving, there’s a relatively small window for sightings. It all depends on the time of day that the Space Station happens to be orbiting overhead.
A GIANT ORBITAL LABORATORY
What you’re ultimately looking for isn’t a bird or plane, but a giant orbital laboratory floating 408km above Earth. The ISS serves as a lab that allows crew members to test everything from biology and astronomy to experiments for prolonged exposure of life in space.
IT LOOKS LIKE A PLANE (OR A SHOOTING STAR)
The ISS remains visible in the sky for fairly short stretches of time, as it moves in and out of the Earth's shadow.
Keep an eye out for something that resembles a plane, but which is moving much faster (28,000km/h, to be precise), or a very bright and unblinking star.
---
Tick off a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you view a partial solar eclipse in Cape Town.
Stay up to date with lockdown news.
Save a buck or two with a restaurant special for every day of the week.
Go hiking at select national parks.
---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
Historic Walk at La Motte in Franschhoek
Discover interesting history and heritage of the Franschhoek area on the La Motte estate ...
Gallery Riebeek Kasteel shows off the ...
This country village also offers good food, excellent wine + lots of history
A guide to Table Mountain in peak season
The smartest and most efficient way to ride the cable car
Fine art, excellent wine, delicious ...
Take the day and visit this top wine farm to view local art and eat exceptional food
Two Oceans Aquarium is perfect for ...
One lucky visitor a day stands to win an annual membership for 2021
This festive season all lights lead to ...
It’s not a traditional Father Christmas celebration, but one that focuses on hope and ...
Maker’s Landing, the Waterfront’s ...
Sticky koesisters, authentic Cape Malay curry and gorgeous harbour views
And there’s more: vodka, rum, fiery ginger beer plus the chance to tour this working ...
Pre-order the T-Roc from Barons Cape ...
Pre-order to spec
Discover South Africa with these great ...
From the pet-friendly Stanford Hills to a camp located on a large fishing dam in Limpopo