Looking Up…

I have a quick story to relate. This past summer, one of the highlights of Review Santa Fe was sitting at the Cowgirl restaurant and chatting with various reviewers and photographers after the open portfolio sharing event. At one point in the conversation, a young gentleman brusquely interrupted the conversation to say, “Excuse me, but in exactly 4 minutes and 30 seconds the Space Shuttle Endeavor, coupled to the Space Station will pass directly overhead. And due to the fact that, while it’s not long after sunset here on the ground, in the atmosphere, the sun will still be shining on the Space Station and we will be able to see this sight if we go stand in the street.”

With a bit of nonchalance and piqued curiosity, about 5 of us headed outside. What did we have to lose? Then, the most amazing thing happened. The photographer calmly stated that it should be visible just “over there.” AND IT CAME STREAMING ACROSS THE NIGHT SKY! It was the largest night-time object, apart from the moon, that I think we will ever be able to see with the naked eye.

Stuart Sperling was the photographer. And he just sent me another email today, which begins,

“Hi from the dude from Review Santa Fe, who’s all into space and 3D and whatnot.”

I knew exactly who he was.

“The Shuttle Endeavor is mated to the Space Station this week, which, again, makes for really bright viewing opportunities for those who lie in the path. A good one’s coming up for Santa Fe tomorrow (Thursday) at 5:43PM.  Check it out if the sky’s clear. Look to the West/Southwest, and find Venus (and Jupiter will be just up to the left of Venus).  The Station/Shuttle should climb from right there, cruising up and SE over you at about 18,000 mph. Rock on.”

Check out this visual. I don’t know what all those lines mean, but it reminds me of Asteroids (as in, Atari).

Thank you, Stuart. Rock on.

[UPDATE: It's 5:50. Just came back in from watching that bright light cruise up and over our heads. Again, thanks Stuart!]

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