Tim,
By all means try out using a binocular or a telescope but don't rush out and buy something just for this unless you are prepared to buy something specifically for viewing celestial bodies. My point is that a handheld binocular is not stable enough to hold the celestial body in the field of view. You can try using a tripod but a regular camera tripod is sometimes difficult to work with as they are designed to keep something very still as opposed to tracking something on both azimuth and elevation.
Again, definitely try things out but I would start with something borrowed if you don't already own a binocular or a telescope.
Just my 2 cents.
73, David
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Tim Goodrich Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 6:01 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Space Station sighting
I just saw the space station for the first time ever. It was a beautiful 315(NW) to 135 (SE) degree pass at 01:32UTC and was easily visible as the one of the brightest lights in the sky to the naked eye. This, even in the light polluted sky of Los Angeles. I thought it was quite cool (although my g/f didn't share in my enthusiasm) and am going to have to find a telescope of binoculars for the next one.
Tim
KI6VBY
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