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Here's how to spot the International Space Station from Tampa Bay this week

 
This 2013 image shows the International Space Station in the sunlight. [AP Photo/NASA/European Space  Agency]
This 2013 image shows the International Space Station in the sunlight. [AP Photo/NASA/European Space Agency]
Published April 19, 2016

Look skyward at the right time this week and you might spot the International Space Station in the night sky above Tampa Bay.

A couple of short windows of opportunity for a sighting passed Monday, but don't fear. According to NASA, local stargazers will have four more chances to see the space station this week.

Here's a guide for where to look:

Height — NASA lists height in degrees above the horizon. 90 degrees would be looking straight above your head. Zero would be looking straight in front of you where land meets sky.

Appears/Disappears — You guessed it. The appears location is where you can first see the space station. The disappears location is where you can get a final glimpse. Degrees in this case are combined with compass directions. So 33 degrees above NNW would be about 33 degrees up from the horizon if you were looking north-northwest. The max height is the highest point at which you can see the space station.

So when can you see it? According to NASA, the times and locations from Tampa are:

Tuesday, 9:14 p.m. Three

Duration: 2 minutes

Max height: 72°

Appears: 30° above NW

Disappears: 54° above SSE

Wednesday, 8:20 p.m.

Duration: 6 minutes

Max height: 43°

Appears: 10° above NNW

Disappears: 11° above ESE

Thursday, 9:06 p.m.

Duration: 3 minutes

Max height: 21°

Appears: 18° above W

Disappears: 11° above S

Friday, 8:17 p.m.

Duration: Less than 1 minute

Max height: 11°

Appears: 11° above SSE

Disappears: 11° above SSE

The locations and times may vary slightly for other cities in Tampa Bay. Check your location on NASA's website.