No, it's not the Christmas Star 1997 version, but it will be most spectacular in its own way. From today, and weather permitting, Irish skywatchers will be treated to superb views of the troubled Russian space station Mir as it orbits the earth. It will assume the honour of being the brightest object in the night sky, one which the planet Venus, near the horizon, usually holds.
Mir will be viewable overhead nightly until December 20th. The station will be clearly visible to the naked eye from anywhere in Ireland. Today it will be best observed by looking south at about 5.40 p.m. In the past, it has been possible to see it pass while standing on Dublin's Grafton Street, according to Mr David Moore, chairman of Astronomy Ireland.
Because of its orbital period, the times it appears will vary from night to night, and it will be visible for a short time only during each pass. Equally, the Russians often engage in "manoeuvres" to ensure its orbit path is boosted as it scrapes over the top of the earth's atmosphere. This can change the schedule.
Astronomy Ireland has a newsline (Tel: 1550111442, or from Northern Ireland: 0891-881950) which will indicate precise passage times each day. The only potential problems are bad weather and cloud. Today is expected to be showery with some clear spells, so many have a reasonable chance of seeing the station.
Met Eireann predict this week will be mild with broken conditions and less of the clear skies at night which dominated last week. However, Mir will probably be viewable at some stage over the next 12 days.
