NanoSail-D Satellite Artist Conception Image Credit NASA

NanoSail-D NASA Photo Satellite Contest Top Prize $500

Hey all you sky watchers. There is a new satellite using a solar sail that is visible with the naked eye. NASA has teamed up with spaceweather.com have a contest for the best pictures of the NanoSail-D satellite. Top prize being $500.00.

How do we enter the contest?

• First have a look here near the bottom of this linked page for the latest satellite tracking information to see when and where it will be visible in your area.
• If you have clear weather, look for a star like object moving across the sky.
• Take a picture of it. For best results use a tripod or something else to keep the camera still.
• Submit here your NanoSail-D satellite photo.
• Contest has already started and runs until the satellite enters the atmosphere in late April or May.

Satellite Tracking for March 1, 2011 Image Credit NASA

What is the NanoSail-D Satellite?

NASA’s latest darling. Almost considered to be a write off due to long drawn out malfunctions and complications has finally been unfurled. It is like a sailing ship in space. Instead of being pushed along the ocean by wind, the satellite’s sails are filled with solar winds from the sun. This is not the first time a solar sail has been unfurled in space, but the NanoSail-D Satellite is the first satellite to circle the Earth under solar winds.

By Darshan Montgomery and FriendlyForecast.com providing a great Vancouver BC satellite weather and Calgary AB satellite weather.