How to spot the International Space Station flying above NI this week
Find out how you can spot it 👇
Last updated 22nd Jul 2021
The world has been going space-mad recently, with the world's wealthiest competing in a modern day space race. Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Richard Branson have spent vast sums of their wealth chasing their space travel dreams.
Which leaves most of us gazing up at the skies in awe and jealousy. For the next few days though, we'll have more than just the stars and the moon to look out for.
With the hot weather set to continue, conditions couldn't be more perfect to watch the International Space Station (ISS) soar across Northern Ireland.
The ISS orbits the Earth every 90 minutes travelling through 16 sunrises and sunsets in just 24 hours. It's used as a home for astronauts and orbits Earth at an average altitude of 250 miles.
No equipment is needed, you should be able to spot it with the naked eye. NASA says it will look like a fast-moving plane, only much higher and travelling thousands of miles an hour faster.
Weather permitting, it will be visible above NI ⬇️
- Thu Jul 22, 10:50pm (appears 10° above W, disappears 10° above ESE)
- Fri Jul 23, 12:27am (appears 10° above W, disappears 24° above S)
- Fri Jul 23, 11:40pm (appears 10° above W, disappears 19° above SSE)
- Sat Jul 24, 10:52pm (appears 10° above W, disappears 11° above SE)
- Sun Jul 25, 12:30am (appears 10° above WSW, disappears 14° above SW)
- Sun Jul 25, 11:42pm (appears 10° above WSW, disappears 17° above S)
- Mon Jul 26, 10:55pm (appears 10° above W, disappears 13° above SSE)
- Tue Jul 27, 11:46pm (appears 10° above SW, disappears 10° above SSW)
- Wed Jul 28, 10:57pm (appears 10° above WSW, disappears 10° above S)
- Sat Jul 31, 10:14pm (appears 10° above SW, disappears 10° above SW)
With barely a cloud in sight, there's no better time to spend a night under the stars.
Check out some of NI's best camping spots for epic stargazing opportunities:
Gorse Hill Farm, Bryansford
Just an hour outside Belfast, you can't beat the picturesque landscape from the cosy pods at Gorse Hill Farm. Enjoy walks in the mountains and views of the Shimna River Valley.
Highview Holiday Park, Portrush
Nestled in the heart of the Causeway Coast and 15 mins, this family-friendly park offers glamping cabins, a play park and tuck shop.
Castle Ward, Strangford
With pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes and campervans, there's something for everyone at Castle Ward. Plus, if you don't have your own tent, the campsite also has a handful of wooden camping pods for hire.
Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh
Located near the stunning Strangford Lough and surrounded by the beauty of a country park, you'll never want to leave this hidden gem!
Let’s Go Hydro, Carryduff
Let's go Hydro offers a range of glamping options perfect for individuals, families and large groups. Your options are endless, from safari tents to cabins on the water!
Meelmore Lodge, Bryansford
Meelmore Lodge is an ideal place to stay for anyone visiting or trekking through the Mourne Mountains. They have a spacious campsite with stunning views and a bistro which is open daily to the public.
Kilbroney Caravan Park, Co.Down
Overlooking Carlingford Lough these 97 acres of beautiful parkland nestles within the shadow of Slieve Martin and the Mountains of Mourne.
Maddybenny Farm Campsite
Maddybenny Farm Campsite is a small and friendly family and dog friendly campsite. This spot is ideal for little one, with beaches, golf courses, scenic walks and numerous outdoor activities nearby.
Crom Campsite, Fermanagh
This large campsite is spread over two areas, Culliagh's and Bell Hill. This spacious family friendly plot offers tent pitches as well as collection of luxurious glamping pods. With lots of facilities on site including a shower and toilet block, outdoor tap for washing dishes and even a communal campfire.
Carrowmena, Limavady
Enjoy views of Binevenagh or trips to Benone Beach and Magilligan Point from Carrowmena's set of attractive bell tents. The site features tempting water sports and outdoor activities with trained instructors.
Sycamore Pods, Larne
Just a mile from Ballgally beach, Sycamore Pods offers glamping at its best. With two bespoke pods, guests can enjoy a weekend spent in a private hot tub, cosy up by the campfire and sleeping in ultimate luxury.
Murlough Cottage Caravan Park, Newcastle
The iconic views of the sea and towering Mourne Mountains are worth the trip to Murlough alone. With world-class golf, fishing, sailing and horse riding available you'll never get bored.
Riverside Farm, Enniskillen
A family run caravan park situated in the centre of Fermanagh Lakelands, ideal for visiting Marble Arch Caves, Florence Court House or Castle Coole. The site has a small marina with a slipway suitable for kayakers or stand-up paddle boarding.
Carrickreagh Bay, Lower Lough Erne
Carrickreagh Bay Luxury Glamping Pods look out over the tranquil waters of Lough Erne, offering a lovely base for families and couples.
Finn Lough Bubble Domes, Fermanagh
Sleep under the stars, turn off your mobile and go off the grid for a little adventure or a lot of relaxation. A once in a lifetime experience, sleeping in a luxurious four poster bed under a canopy of leaves in the heart of the stunning Fermanagh Lakelands.
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