Santa Visible in the Sky

On Xmas eve Santa will be visible in the sky if there is a clear sky.  For anyone who can escape the light pollution, if you look in the South West around 5.22 pm on Xmas eve you will see Santa’s sleigh appear about 30 degrees above the horizon and then move across the sky through south and then south east.  He is very high at this time of the evening and so appears as a single bright spot - perhaps somewhat brighter than the brightest star - and moving like an airliner but without flickering and moving very smoothly until he disappears.  He will be visible for about 4 minutes.  Adults might mistake him for the International Space Station which is also visible at this time - but the kids will know that this is Santa.  here is the website which will provide the details.

.http://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings/view.cfm?country=United_Kingdom&region=England&city=Manchester#.VJnpM14gAA

As 8.21 this evening, just as dark was falling, the International Space Station was clearly visible in the sky over the village for about 6 minutes.

It will be visible again this evening at 10.16 pm for a shorter period.  Look to the west - south west high in the sky ...

Thanks for the ‘heads up’ :+)