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

by Rosa
written by Rosa

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

  1. Location Tracking: Twisst identifies Twitter users following its @twisst account and extracts their location data from their Twitter profiles.

  2. Geocoding: The extracted locations are geocoded using Google Maps or Yahoo to determine their geographic coordinates.

  3. ISS Flyover Data: Twisst retrieves ISS flyover times for the specified coordinates from Heavens-Above.com, a reputable source for astronomical data.

  4. Time Zone Conversion: To ensure accurate alerts, Twisst queries the Geonames geographic database to determine the local time zone of each Twitter user.

  5. 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

  1. Follow @twisst on Twitter.
  2. Ensure your Twitter profile includes your accurate location.
  3. 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.

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