Japanese astronaut returns safely from ISS! When's the next chance to see it with the naked eye, and what's the deal with solar flares?
Chances are, many of you glanced up at the sky last night. A bright light, moving slowly across the twilight sky like a shooting star—that was the International Space Station (ISS). And this morning, we received some welcome news. The crew, including the Japanese astronaut who has spent about half a year aboard the ISS, has safely returned to Earth.
Soyuz capsule touches down in Kazakhstan, ending long-duration mission
Early this morning Japan time, a Soyuz spacecraft landed on the steppes of Kazakhstan. Emerging from the capsule with smiles were three crew members, including Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi. They conducted numerous experiments and observation missions on the ISS. Noguchi, in particular, led a new life science experiment, with data that will inform future lunar exploration. His safe return was met with thunderous applause from mission control.
For the ISS, space weather is now the critical factor
The crew's textbook return was likely aided by a period of calm solar activity. Just last week, a significant solar flare sparked concerns it might affect the ISS's orbital altitude. The worry was 'orbital decay', where increased solar wind expands the atmosphere, slightly slowing the ISS. However, according to analysis by space weather professionals, major disruption was thankfully avoided, securing a safe path home for the crew. The invisible whims of space weather are a constant factor in ISS operations.
Spot it with your own eyes! Your next chance to see the ISS
While the crew is back on Earth, the ISS itself continues its journey across the skies. In fact, from tonight and over the next few days, there are excellent opportunities to spot the ISS with the naked eye across the UK. Keep the following points in mind and look for that moving star in the sky.
- Date and time: Around 19:20 on Thursday 12th March, around 19:55 on Friday 13th March, etc. Times may vary by a few minutes depending on your location.
- Where to look: It will appear in the west-southwest sky, pass high across the southern sky, and then move towards the east-northeast.
- Brightness: It will be very bright, around magnitude -3, making it easy to spot even in urban areas.
- Key identification point: If you see a slow-moving, steady light that doesn't twinkle, that's definitely the ISS.
Though often abbreviated as 'ISS', seeing that bright point of light in the night sky is a perfect moment to reflect on the ongoing research in orbit and the impressive achievement of the crew's safe return.
The digital link connecting space and Earth today
Incidentally, at the cutting edge of research like that on the ISS, there's a real drive to share findings quickly. Experimental results are rapidly compiled into papers and published in academic journals bearing an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). And during their limited downtime, astronauts are reportedly using digital publishing platforms like Issuu to catch up on the latest magazines and news from Earth. The information networks connecting space and ground are evolving every day.
The data gathered during this return mission will be an invaluable asset for future lunar and Martian exploration. Noguchi and his colleagues will now undergo about a month of rehabilitation before holding a mission report press conference. We can't wait to hear what they have to say.