Shuttle, Mir visible in Northwest Nevada sky

Friday, June 5, 1998 | 9:37 a.m.

The best time to look tonight is shortly before 11 p.m., actually from 10:51 p.m. to 10:54 p.m., according to the Fleischmann Planetarium at the University of Nevada, Reno.

"We're lucky to be in the right place at the right time to see it," astronomer Keith Johnson said.

"Just by chance we get to see it nearly every night from (now) to June 11. They'll be as bright as the brightest objects in the sky," he said.

The shuttle and the Mir will appear as one bright dot while docked and be visible for several minutes each night. When they are scheduled to undock Monday, they will appear to be two lights chasing each other, Johnson said.

On Tuesday, after the craft have separated, the view should be good as long as the skies are clear, Johnson said. However, the view could be hit or miss as the National Weather Service forecasts partly cloudy skies for the next several days.

Johnson said communications satellites also are visible in the sky. He said they sometimes "flare," causing people to think they are seeing a UFO.

"There are 66 communications satellites which will go into operation in September. You can see reflections of the sun off of their flight, polished antennae... a flash for a few seconds and then they are gone," he said.

The rest of the prime viewing schedule for the Discovery and Mir is:

Saturday, 11:25-11:27 p.m.

Sunday, 10:23-10:27 p.m.

Monday, 10:57-10:59 p.m.

Tuesday, 9:55-9:59 p.m.

Wednesday, 10:29-10:31 p.m.

Thursday, 9:26-9:32 p.m.

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