Using Cameras To Measure The Real Altitude Of The Space Station

Ladies and gentlemen, stargazers and science aficionados, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure as we embark on an astronomical journey to demystify the International Space Station (ISS). In the words of Scott Manley, the science enthusiast and cosmic explorer, "Oh, it's Scott Manley here," and he's got a fascinating tale to tell.

The Spectacular Space Ballet

In a recent video, Scott Manley took us on a thrilling ride into the cosmos, capturing a breathtaking moment as the ISS gracefully glided across the face of our Sun. Picture this: a colossal structure, the size of a football field, majestically traversing the radiant orb in our sky. It's not science fiction; it's the incredible reality of the ISS.

But how did Scott manage to capture this celestial ballet? The secret weapon behind his cosmic photography is none other than "Transit Finder," a remarkable online tool that predicts the precise moments when the ISS will pass between an observer and the Sun. Armed with this cosmic crystal ball, Scott positioned himself perfectly, ensuring that he was in the right place at the right time.

As he gazed upon the celestial spectacle, something extraordinary dawned upon Scott: if you stood atop the Salesforce Tower, you could witness a trifecta of celestial events. The Blue Angels, the ISS, and a rocket launch all within hours of each other – it's a space enthusiast's dream come true. Indeed, science and serendipity make for a fantastic pairing.

A Father-Daughter Cosmic Experiment

But Scott Manley's curiosity knew no bounds. He was not content merely to observe; he wanted to do science. So, he enlisted the help of his daughter, Skye, who positioned herself slightly apart with a trusty video camera in hand. The result? An awe-inspiring video capturing the ISS's fleeting pass in front of the Sun.

Now, here's where the magic happens. Scott, with his sharp analytical mind, decided to analyze the video more closely. He synchronized the two videos from his and Skye's locations, revealing a minute difference in the ISS's path. The secret lay in the parallax – a mere 0.102 degrees, equivalent to 0.1 solar diameters. This seemingly tiny angle held the key to unraveling the ISS's secrets.

Unraveling the Space Station's Secrets

To decipher the ISS's altitude, Scott needed to calculate the baseline, the distance between his and Skye's positions. A quick map check revealed that they were about 1080 meters apart. But, as Scott keenly noted, the baseline should be measured perpendicular to the ISS's path. This required considering the angle difference between the two tracks, which was close to being perpendicular.

With these measurements in hand, a simple triangle calculation unveiled the ISS's altitude: approximately 596 kilometers. Not only did Scott capture the ISS on camera, but he had also accurately measured its distance from Earth. Now, that's a science experiment that deserves a cosmic high-five.

The Need for Speed: Calculating the ISS's Velocity

But Scott's cosmic odyssey didn't stop there. He had his sights set on another astronomical mystery: the ISS's velocity. To calculate this, he recorded the time it took for the ISS to cross the Sun – a mere 0.93 seconds. Combined with the angular diameter of the Sun, he found the ISS's angular velocity – 0.00965 radians per second.

However, the ISS's motion relative to the observer wasn't directly perpendicular. Accounting for the ISS's motion across the Earth's surface, Scott adjusted the calculation, revealing a more accurate velocity of 7.9 kilometers per second. It's a mind-boggling speed that adds to the mystique of this orbiting behemoth.

And just when you thought Scott was finished, he realized that the Sun's offset direction, an additional 20 degrees, needed to be factored in. After a touch of cosmic geometry and some mathematical finesse, the final velocity was calculated at 7.4 kilometers per second – a speed that keeps pace with our planet's rotation.

Journey's End

In this cosmic voyage with Scott Manley, we've unraveled the secrets of the ISS: its altitude, velocity, and the awe-inspiring wonder of witnessing it glide across the Sun's fiery visage. Scott's passion for space and relentless curiosity has taken us on an adventure that fuses science, art, and the boundless mysteries of the cosmos.

So, the next time you gaze at the ISS crossing the sky, remember that there's more to this celestial neighbor than meets the eye. It's a testament to human ingenuity, a symbol of international cooperation, and a magnificent marvel that continues to inspire generations. As Scott Manley eloquently puts it, "Fly safe" and keep your eyes on the stars – for the universe is a canvas of endless wonders, waiting to be explored.