I have always loved Christmas, as a child and as an adult. My childhood was filled with stories of Father Christmas and Rudolp the Red Nosed Reindeer helping to pull the sleigh to deliver presents to children of the World. My parents would even hide outside at night and ring bells to make me think Santa was on his way although this proved to be counter productive as far from making me go to bed it made me even more excited! Well this year, parents of the UK and around the World can use science to really bring the story of Santa Claus to life for the children in their lives.
This year, parents in the UK can add another magical dimension by taking their children outside and actually see Santa as he flies over. Imagine their faces as he arrives just on time and flies over your house! Sounds a little fanciful I know but on Christmas Eve we will be treated by two bright and early passages of the International Space Station through UK skies.
The first pass will be visible from 4.23pm (UK time) until 4.29pm and it will be seen moving from west to east passing nice and high to the south. It will be very bright so easily seen with the naked eye as it passes steadily across the sky. Even young children will be able to spot it.
If you miss the first one, then you can try again at 5.59pm until 6.04pm but this pass will be a little fainter (still easily seen by the naked eye) and lower in the south.
Both passages will be very easy to see and require no equipment. Just imagine the joy on your little ones faces and the excitement in their hearts as they see Santa. The space station will be there, on time without any doubt but unfortunately, the one thing I cannot guarantee is the weather, so keep your fingers crossed for clear skies.
I really hope this information helps to make Christmas for your children a little more magical. If you do not live in the UK then you can find out if the Space Station is visible from your location on Christmas Eve with NASAs Space Station Spotter. Meanwhile, as we all sit and wait and hope for clear skies, I hope you have a wondeful Christmas and a very prosperous and happy new year.
(NOTE : Check back here before Christmas Eve to check on times of passes)
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.