Martin Lewis, an amateur astronomer, has succeeded in taking images of the International Space Station, a task that proved challenging to several astronomers in the past. The task is particularly difficult since the International Space Station orbits the Earth at 17,240 mph, essentially completing almost 16 orbits each day.
STS133 Astronaut captured from Earth
Lewis used his home-made telescope and a webcam to capture the image. The image was taken at 18.48 UT on 2 March, 2011. Lewis also took the picture of an astronaut, Steve Bowen, when he was outside the Columbus Lab.
Similar results can be achieved using the Orion XT series telescopes, which are reflector telescopes similar to Lewis’ home-made 8.75” reflector telescope.
Lewis used a monochrome webcam that had a pixel resolution of 640X480 and was capable of running at 60 frames per second. By stacking 30 captured images, Lewis was able to develop the final image.
The Orion XT10 or XT8 telescopes coupled with a similar camera can achieve comparable results. Reflector telescopes are affordable, easy-to-use and suitable for various applications.