Discovery returns tomorrow, with a viewing opportunity here...

[Chief]

If the shuttle Discovery returns tomorrow as scheduled, it will be following a cross-continental flight corridor that will carry it over the Pacific Northwest on it's way to a touchdown at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is a rare opportunity, the last time a shuttle did this was the ill-fated return of Columbia when she broke up in flight during reentry. That flaming trail of debris was visible from Norther California all the way to the impact zone across Texas and Arkansas.

I am not sure of the exact track yet, but it may be worthwhile to pay attention to the time tomorrow, and go watch the sky for a few minutes to see if the shuttle will be visible. Even in broad daylight, the corona around the shuttle should be bright enough to be visible if the sky is clear, and it would appear as a very fast moving meteor, possibly leaving a visible contrail, depending on the altitude as it passes overhead...it should be visible for many seconds, and there will be no doubt in your mind about what it is, if you see it...

;D

Developing...

[Chief]

Discovery is all buttoned up and configured for her de-orbit burn which will happen in about five minutes over the South Atlantic. During reentry, Discovery will go "feet dry" over the North American Continent over Vancouver Island at about 400,000 feet and mach 25 heading SouthEast for the Cape.

The track is well North of us, but if the fog burns off in about an hour, it's feasable to get a view of the shuttle as it streaks overhead, if only for a few seconds...

;D