City is prime space craft 'observatory'
UFO reports could be on the rise...
City sky-watchers could be forgiven for getting spaced out in the next few weeks – an astronomical attraction could prompt scores of UFO reports.
Milton Keynes, with its large open spaces, is an ideal place to watch the International Space Station drift across the sky, says an Open University astronomer.
Dr Dan Andrews said the best viewing nights will start from Saturday, August 28.
He added: "It looks like a very bright moving star and has actually caused a lot of UFO sightings over the years. Look to the west, just to the left of where the Sun sets.
"At just before 9.40pm you will see a bright star climbing silently up the sky – this is the International Space Station, currently home to three NASA astronauts and three Russian cosmonauts."
Dr Andrews works on the Rosetta space mission – a project to land a European Space Agency craft on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Garesimenko. Once landed, OU-designed and built equipment will analyse comet material.
The space station's 'arrival' follows the appearance of the annual Perseids meteor shower last week, enjoyed by star gazers across the city.
Dr Andrews recommends the Heavens Above website for budding astronomers.
He says the site has data about the space station's appearance.
Anyone wishing to track the craft should check the details on the website, by clicking here.
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
