Well, it’s that time of year, and here’s a reminder about when the International Space Station is visible from Astoria, thanks to maritime writer Peter Marsh, who sent in a link to the schedule, which is on the Spot the Station website. 

Since it’s not visible during the day, of course, and only at night, when the sun reflects off the station, it’s a night owl’s delight. This spring, it’s visible here for one (or a few) minutes at various times between 2:32 and 4:53 a.m. through May 3, and best seen when it’s at about a 40-degree height from the horizon. By the way, it’s traveling at about 17,500 mph.

A few space station facts: It’s 356 feet end to end; the interior has 13,696 cubic feet, with six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms and a gym (the astronauts work out at least 2 hours a day); it takes about 4 hours to get there by spaceship; and it weighs 925,335 pounds. 

Nope, you don’t need a telescope to see it, so go ahead and try some station spotting. (Photo: NASA)