Can you see any planets from the ISS?
- Cailyn (Team Apollo)
MAGNUS: You can see the same things that you can see from Earth but the big difference is that the atmosphere is not interfering. The ISS usually has an orbit that is somewhere between 200-250 miles above the surface of the Earth, so in terms of astronomical distances we are not much closer to the planets than you are in your backyard. Most of the windows on ISS point toward the Earth, so it is not often that we can look into the areas away into space. It is beautiful, though, to see the moon rise from behind the Earth!
Feb 19
2009
Dr. Magnus:
I don't have any good questions or deep thoughts but I did want to say how proud I am that we have a UMR [Missouri S&T] alumna in space and I just wanted to wish you the very best. You've worked very hard to achieve where you're at -- be sure to take some time to enjoy it. Take care, God bless, and have a great 101st St. Pat's!
John S.