ISS appears in the west. The streak is its movement captured in a 30 second exposure.
There have been plenty of times I’ve seen the International Space Station go across the night sky. Tonight was the first night I planned for it. It seemed only fitting with newly arrived Canadian, David Saint-Jacques aboard.
It is the first time a Canadian has been in space since Chris Hadfield in 2013.
Chris Hadfield has been an inspiration to Canadians, sharing his experiences, singing songs and even writing a children’s book.
I followed Hadfield’s photography when he was on the Space Station. He took wonderful images of the Canadian landscape as it appeared from space. They were both fierce and fragile.
A panorama of three photos facing east. Taurus, Hyades and Pleiades can be seen in twilight. A meteor streaks towards Nutmucqcin.
I arrived early took a few pictures and set up the camera. Sure enough the Space Station appeared right on time in the west and started across the sky. It increased in brightness as it moved directly overhead. It was my intention to get a photo of it against the eastern landscape, however the cold made my camera loosen from the tripod. Metal parts shrink in -12°c. The camera had been sitting without use for a half hour. By the time I secured the camera ISS was gone. That’s planning for you and why I’ll never work for NASA.
From what I read and hear all Canadians are excited to have another astronaut to cheer for and wish David Saint-Jacques a safe, successful mission.
Palliser Pass 
Jim R
Good shots, Bob. I was out last night to see Neptune. It was my first view of it thru a scope. Nearby Mars made it easy to spot. My temp was -2˚C. I had no camera.
Hadfield is terrific. I have enjoyed his adventures for a long time. His Guide to Life on Earth is excellent.
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underswansea
Hi Jim, that’s great you saw Neptune. Mars is still very bright. Hadfield has sure sparked a lot of interest in the Canadian Space Agency. Bob
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Anonymous
Gorgeous! Love these chilly, clear nights….not that I’m out in them….but happy you are, and capturing the sky for us to enjoy.
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underswansea
Thanks! The cold is something I am going to have to get used to again. It felt pretty cold at the start. Take care. Bob
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mountaincoward
Lovely name ‘Nutmucqcin’ – is it native Indian? If so, which tribe was it?
Where I live now we get great night skies. I should learn to do night photography with my film camera really – it can do it no problem – it’s just me who can’t! I must also see the ISS but wouldn’t know if I was looking at it, although I often see what I know are satellites of one kind or another…
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underswansea
Hi Carol, you would know ISS if you saw it. It is very bright and moves slower than a commercial jet across the sky. Nutmuqcin is the name of a legendary Ktunaxa First Nation chief. Legend has it he was so big he had to crawl on his hands and knees to avoid hitting his head on the sky. Due to a series of events, in the Ktunaxa Creation Story, Nutmuqcin stood up quick in a fit of laughter, hit his head on the sky and fell backwards dead. His prone body forming a local mountain range. It is a wonderful story and includes many local animals and geographical landmarks. Take care. PS good to hear your hip is doing well. Bob
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mountaincoward
Great story – thanks for letting me in on it. I’m tall but the only problem I’ve had apart from the odd knock is when I got wedged walking along a pub with a lowering ceiling. The locals knew it was going to happen and just sat waiting until it did – gave them a good laugh!
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Julie@frogpondfarm
Yep I’m with Jim! Great shots Bob … blast, guess you wouldn’t work for NASA 😉
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underswansea
Hi Julie, I don’t think NASA will take me. Thanks for stopping by me. It seems the correspondent from Frog Pond has gone AWOL again. No pressure. 🙂
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Julie@frogpondfarm
I know .. damned correspondent .. I’ve had a good talk to her 😉
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