For those of you who have been looking to the skies over the past weeks, possibly following our advice to see satellites and Space Station passes, have you downloaded the web links or apps to help you?
Some are linked to weather services and also show cloud cover which may prevent your viewing pleasure.
They may inspire you to check out the ‘space age’ Halton Borough Council Library Service facilities available online.
https://james.darpinian.com/satellites/ Satellites and space station views. Shows all satellite passes, plus Elon Musk’s Star Link series of satellites.
Apps for both Apple and Android smart phones include ISS Spotter. Type in Space Station tracker into the app store search bar and see what comes up.
As with all apps, there are some really good ones and some that seem to be really hard to use.
Some seem to have so many adverts they are unusable. Make sure you look at the revues before downloading them.
For those looking at the stars and wondering what they are looking at, there are many apps for phones. Some good, some not so. Look at the revues before you download.
For all the apps and satellite trackers, you will need to have you GPS turned on, so they can predict when and what you will see.
For armchair star gazers and active ones, did you know you can get the BBC Sky at Night and Space Magazines free every month from our library app PressReader.
PressReader allows you to view the latest daily newspapers, monthly magazines and foreign press and magazines all for free! You can also access Borrowbox (online books) E readers (Audio Books) and things like online driving test theory practice pages, and much more local history and advice.
If you would like to apply or find out how your library card can help you access this treasure trove see https://library.haltonbc.info/digital/ . If you are not a member of Halton Libraries or have lost your card, use this page https://halton.me/join-the-library/