Yes, it is possible to estimate the speed of the Space Station based on its altitude and the time it takes to move across your field of view. To calculate the speed, you need to know the distance it travels in a given time interval.
Here's a step-by-step approach to estimating the Space Station's speed:
Determine the time it takes for the Space Station to move from the left side of your field of view to the right side. Ideally, you should measure this time interval as accurately as possible using a stopwatch or a reliable timing device.
Measure the width of your field of view. This can be done using a reference object or by estimating the angular size of the portion of the sky covered by the Space Station.
Convert the width of your field of view to a linear distance. To do this, you need to know the altitude of the Space Station. If you have the altitude in kilometers, you can use basic trigonometry to calculate the linear distance. For instance, if the Space Station's altitude is A kilometers and the width of your field of view is W degrees, then the linear distance covered by the Space Station is approximately A * tan(W) kilometers.
Divide the linear distance (calculated in step 3) by the time interval (measured in step 1). This will give you an estimation of the Space Station's speed in kilometers per unit of time (e.g., kilometers per hour or kilometers per minute), depending on the units used for the time interval.
It's important to note that this method provides an approximate estimation of the Space Station's speed. The actual speed may vary due to factors such as orbital adjustments, atmospheric drag, and changes in altitude. Additionally, for more accurate results, it is advisable to repeat the measurements multiple times and take an average.
If you have access to online tools or smartphone applications that provide real-time tracking of the International Space Station (ISS), they can offer more accurate and up-to-date information on its speed, position, and other relevant details.