Track the International Space Station with Twisst: A Comprehensive Guide for Skywatchers

by Rosa January 8, 2020

written by Rosa January 8, 2020

Find the International Space Station with Twitter: A Guide for Skywatchers

What is Twisst?

Twisst is an innovative service that utilizes Twitter to provide personalized alerts for International Space Station (ISS) flyovers. By leveraging a combination of Twitter data and other online resources, Twisst makes it easy to track the ISS and enjoy its spectacular passes overhead.

How Twisst Works

Location Tracking: Twisst identifies Twitter users following its @twisst account and extracts their location data from their Twitter profiles.
Geocoding: The extracted locations are geocoded using Google Maps or Yahoo to determine their geographic coordinates.
ISS Flyover Data: Twisst retrieves ISS flyover times for the specified coordinates from Heavens-Above.com, a reputable source for astronomical data.
Time Zone Conversion: To ensure accurate alerts, Twisst queries the Geonames geographic database to determine the local time zone of each Twitter user.
Alert Notifications: When the ISS is approaching, Twisst sends Twitter alerts to followers, providing the pass time in local time and information on the visibility of the ISS.

Benefits of Using Twisst

Personalized Alerts: Receive tailored alerts for ISS flyovers based on your specific location.
Ease of Use: No need to manually search for ISS flyover data; Twisst does the work for you.
User-Friendly Interface: Twisst’s website offers a straightforward and accessible interface for tracking ISS passes.
Additional Information: Twisst provides helpful tips for spotting the ISS and shares information about other celestial objects visible in the sky.

How to Get Started with Twisst

Follow @twisst on Twitter.
Ensure your Twitter profile includes your accurate location.
Wait for ISS flyover alerts to appear in your Twitter feed.

Tips for Spotting the ISS

Find a location with clear views of the horizon.
Use binoculars or a telescope for enhanced visibility.
Check the ISS visibility rating provided by Twisst to determine the brightness and altitude of the pass.

Behind the Scenes: The Innovation of Twisst

Twisst is the brainchild of freelance writers in the Netherlands. Their unique idea combines publicly available data from Twitter, Google Maps, Yahoo, Heavens-Above.com, and Geonames to create a valuable service for skywatchers.

While the data used by Twisst is accessible to the public, the service’s true value lies in its ability to curate and present the information in a user-friendly and personalized manner. This innovative approach has made Twisst a popular tool for anyone interested in tracking the ISS and gazing at the wonders of the night sky.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.