International Space Station flies over Riverstone International School

The excellent weather this week was perfect for pleasant evening walks and a bit of star gazing. Just after 10PM this evening I was able to photograph a man-made star: the International Space Station heading east over Boise. The 20 second exposure shows the ISS in the center along with two planes heading west to the airport. The ISS rose out of the west and was visible for about 3 minutes as it flew overhead.

For a few days each month the ISS orbit takes it over Boise just after sunset. With the sky getting dark here, the ISS is high enough, at 300-700 miles, to still be illuminated by sun. The large solar panels are also great solar reflectors.

Wednesday night, the 28th, has two passes that might provide an opportunity to see the ISS. At 8:47PM the ISS will rise out the NW, climb nearly overhead and set in the east. If the sky is dark enough it may be visible from about 8:50 when it's overhead. Later, at 10:23PM it will rise in the west, climb low in the southwest sky and set towards the south. It may be visible for only a minute or two around 10:27PM.

Find out more at NASA's website: spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings

Click on "Start Applet" and enter your zip code to run the application.

Traffic Issues in Harris Ranch

At the Homeowner's Association meeting on Monday the 18th, the board will hear concerns about increased traffic and speeding on Harris Ranch Road. Much of the traffic was due to the recent Warm Springs Road detour and has decreased now that Warm Springs is open again. A homeowner has asked to speak to the board to see what can be done to minimize traffic impact during upcoming detours as bridge construction continues.

Earlier this year the board worked with ACHD to determine the best way to handle increased traffic on Sawmill Road after Riverstone School parents discovered the shortcut off of Eckert Road. Results included ACHD committing to a traffic study, Boise police offering to set up a speed trap and the Director of Riverstone School notifying parents to drive carefully through the neighborhood. Speeding has decreased. 

Graffiti Video

The quality of the video is as good as we can get with the export program on the security system. The original video is much better. Note the surgical mask, details of the backpack and the shoe design. Please contact AMI or the Boise Police if you have information.