NASA has launched a new app that will make it easier than ever to see the International Space Station in the night sky. The agency has been running a website for a long time spot the station, a new app for iPhone and phones with an operating system Android however, it brings augmented reality features and a hands-on interface to learn more about the orbiting lab.
The International Space Station is best seen in the early morning or evening just before sunrise or sunset, when its light is still falling on the ISS and reflecting off the station. The app provides information and tools to determine when the station will be over your location at the optimal time for best visibility, how long it will be visible in the sky, and how high and in which direction it will be moving.
Regarding the view of the ISS, Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said: “Even after 23 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station, it's incredibly exciting to see it when you look up at the right moment. An orbital laboratory that still provides humanity with a number of unique and tangible benefits is really not so far off and unattainable.”
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The main page of the application offers a countdown to the next possible observation, as well as a globe showing the current position of the ISS. This is available over the entire display area with the option of zooming under the "Tracker" application menu option. You can also turn on notifications so you don't miss a flight.
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The second icon in the sequence called "AR View" hides probably the most interesting feature of the application, as it uses augmented reality to help you find the station in the sky. Also worth noting is the fact that NASA's Spot the Station is completely free and ad-free.
Under the "Resources" icon, there are a number of articles dealing with the latest events, ongoing ISS projects and crew activities on the space station, along with some basic facts about its operation and history.
