Hope others were fortunate enough to see this evening's pass of the
European ATV "Jules Verne" followed by Shuttle Endeavour and the
International Space Station.

The ATV rose in the southwest and passed through Canis Major before
disappearing into the Earth's shadow. It was bright enough to be
spotted easily.

Several minutes later, the Station rose and was so bright I could see
it through the tree line before it cleared. Endeavour was performing
the flyaround maneuver at the time, heading behind then below the
station. They were difficult to separate at first, but as they
climbed in apparent altitide, I could easily distinguish Endeavour
through binoculars as it moved behind the Station. It was also
interesting that after they passed into shadow, I could still follow
the Station in binoculars nearly all the way to the eastern horizon.
NASA TV showed lights shining from Endeavour toward the station,
which may have been the source of illumination, at least in part.
The TV image from the Station camera was also impressive in that you
could see the Orbiter's maneuvering thrusters firing in the darkness.

Tomorrow night looks pretty good. The times are just after 9:30
EDT / 8:30 CDT.

The best upcoming pass is Wednesday evening around 8:25 EDT / 7:25
CDT for the ISS. Endeavour's first landing attempt will have it
coming back one orbit earlier.