After having not looked at Heavens Above for several months, I looked tonight. Heavens Above is a free service that will tell you what satellites will be passing overhead on any given evening for any given location.

After looking at the Iridium Flare listing (none here in Los Angeles until 18-Mar), I looked at the ISS listing. The pass here tonight was at 7:24pm and I looked at the page at 7:23pm. I ran outside and, exactly in the position predicted, I could see the steady movement of a bright star — the ISS. I called for my daughter and wife and they came out and saw it too.

It was a lot of fun to see. And great to see on such a moments notice.

Iridium flares are very cool too. A bright flash in the sky that looks like a UFO. The first time I saw one, I had no idea what I was seeing. Just a point of light suddenly getting very bright and then disappearing. But it is just a satellite with a very reflective antenna.

Heavens Above requires registration, but delivers no spam. I highly encourage its use.