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Floridians, get ready for a cosmic spectacle! On Tuesday, December 3rd, the International Space Station (ISS) will glide across the night sky, providing a brilliant viewing opportunity for residents of Brevard County and beyond. Whether you’re in Brevard, Orlando, Tampa, or Miami, you’ll have a chance to spot the ISS as it orbits Earth at an astonishing 17,500 mph.

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Here’s everything you need to know to catch the ISS in action across Florida.

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Best Viewing Time for Brevard County
In Brevard County, the ISS will be visible for about five minutes starting at 6:48 PM EST. It will travel across the sky, appearing as a bright, fast-moving star. Here’s how to catch it:

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• Time: Tuesday, December 3rd, at 6:48 PM EST
• Where to Look:
  • Appears: 10° above the northwest horizon
  • Peak Altitude: 77° above the horizon (almost directly overhead)
  • Disappears: 30° above the southeast horizon

With clear skies predicted, Brevard residents have an excellent chance of seeing this breathtaking pass.

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Viewing Details for Other Florida Cities
Here’s when and where to look for the ISS in other major Florida cities:

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• Orlando: The ISS will appear at 6:48 PM EST, reaching a maximum height of 77° above the horizon. Look northwest for its appearance and southeast for its disappearance.
• Tampa/St. Petersburg: Visibility starts at 6:47 PM EST. The ISS will appear in the northwest sky and peak at 68° above the horizon.
• Miami: The ISS will be visible starting at 6:48 PM EST, reaching a peak of 58° above the horizon before disappearing toward the southeast.

Each city offers a unique perspective, but the timing across the state is nearly identical. Just ensure you’re outdoors a few minutes early to get acclimated and catch the pass in full.

What to Expect
The ISS will look like a bright star or planet moving steadily across the sky. Unlike an airplane, it doesn’t blink and moves faster. Here are some quick facts to share while you watch:

• Size: The ISS is about the size of a football field.
• Altitude: It orbits 250 miles above Earth, roughly the distance from Orlando to Miami.
• Speed: The ISS travels at 17,500 mph, completing an orbit of Earth every 90 minutes.
• Astronauts: There are real astronauts aboard, conducting experiments and living in microgravity.

How to Watch the ISS

1. Find a Clear View: Choose a location with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view of the northwest and southeast horizons.
2. Check the Time: The ISS is punctual! Be outside by 6:45 PM EST.
3. Use Technology: Apps like SkyView or NASA’s Spot The Station provide live tracking and directions.

Viewing Tips for Families and Kids

• Explain how astronauts aboard the ISS experience 16 sunrises and sunsets every day due to the station’s rapid orbit.
• Highlight that the ISS is one of the brightest objects in the night sky because of its massive solar panels reflecting sunlight.
• Inspire young space enthusiasts by sharing how the ISS contributes to important research benefiting life on Earth.

Resources to Enhance Your Viewing

• Live Tracking Map: Follow the ISS’s real-time position on NASA’s Live Space Station Tracking Map.
• Personalized Alerts: Get updates for your location by signing up for NASA’s Spot The Station.
• Learn About the ISS: Visit NASA’s International Space Station page to explore its mission and crew.

Whether you’re in Brevard County, Orlando, Tampa, or Miami, this is your chance to connect with the wonders of space exploration. Witnessing the ISS pass overhead is a reminder of humanity’s ability to achieve incredible things beyond our planet.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 3rd, and step outside to enjoy this extraordinary celestial event. Don’t forget to share your photos and experiences—we’d love to hear about your sightings!

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