International Space Station makes festive pass over Europe

  • Published
Major Tim PeakeImage source, European Space Agency

The International Space Station (ISS), carrying British astronaut Major Tim Peake, is passing over Europe, making it visible to people in the UK.

Observers have the chance to see the bright lights at about 17:20 GMT.

The ISS is due to make another pass over the border between Spain and France on Christmas Day afternoon.

"Experienced observers should have no problem spotting the Station even without binoculars," Major Peake's blog states, external.

"The Space Station looks like a very bright star or aircraft gliding through the sky."

Major Peake tweeted: "Is it a sleigh or is it the @Space_Station? Watch us fly overhead tonight from 17:18 GMT and tomorrow at 16:25 GMT.", external

The astronauts on board should be able to see cities and towns in Europe lit up for Christmas.

Even if you miss out on seeing the ISS, you can still look out for the full moon on Christmas Day.

Known as a full cold moon and marking the start of winter, it hasn't happened since 1977 and won't occur again until 2034.

Earlier this week the crew sent a Christmas message back to Earth.

Watch the astronauts share their festive greetings., external

"Christmas is traditionally a time for friends and families to get together," said Major Peake.

"And although we can't be with our friends and families, we'll be orbiting the Earth 16 times on Christmas Day, and sending all our good wishes to everybody back down on beautiful planet Earth."

Station commander Scott Kelly added: "Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy New Year from the International Space Station."

The pair, along with Nasa astronaut Tim Kopra then rolled into a somersault, showing off what can be done in a zero-gravity environment.

A Russian cargo vehicle carrying food and supplies docked with the International Space Station yesterday - just in time for Christmas.

It carried supplies including propellant, oxygen, water, and food.

For more stories like this one you can now download the BBC Newsbeat app straight to your device. For iPhone go here, external. For Android go here, external.