DragonWhsiperer t1_jbwnef1 wrote
Reply to comment by astro_pettit in I captured this lightning-filled star trail from the International Space Station. More details in comments! by astro_pettit
Awesome shot, and i always find these pics of earth looking time lapse photo/videos fascinating. I wonder what is happening in the top left with the startrails? They just stop or seem to reverse or something?
astro_pettit OP t1_jbxkhjh wrote
The star trails move due to the ISS pitch axis which makes one rotation every orbit. If you look left or right of your trajectory, stars go in circles; look forwards and stars go in straight lines.
duck_of_d34th t1_jby26go wrote
Whoa. Now here's a question I've never considered: which way is the ISS going and/or facing? Is there a "front," or is that determined by the direction of travel?
You said pitch, so is the ISS kinda rolling(like a ball, not side to side tilting lol) around the planet?
MadMelvin t1_jbypdtq wrote
What are the other curves that seem to cross the star trails in the upper left? Is that a rotating panel of the station itself?
KristnSchaalisahorse t1_jbys4zs wrote
Yes, those are reflections from one of the station’s solar arrays, somewhat more clearly seen in this other star trail shot of his.
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