We have a fantastic set of images to share with you, sent in by several keen ‘ATV spotters’ located right here on planet Earth, which ATV-3 left yesterday morning! Many thanks to all who sent in these wonderful images/videos!

First, from Ralf Vandebergh, a science journalist working for Dutch & Belgian newspapers & magazines. Ralf is one of Europe’s top astrophotographers, and he’s sent in this lovely image:

ATV-3 imaged from the ground 24 March 2012 Credit: Ralf Vandebergh

ATV-3 imaged from the ground 24 March 2012 Credit: Ralf Vandebergh

Here is a first view of the ATV, obtained Saturday, 24 March! It was 5 minutes behind the predicted pass time and the path had changed a little due to orbital corrections. The different visible sections, separated by shadow, correspond well with the comparison image (inset), so I think the orientation is correct. The solar panels were not visibly illuminated from my position.

Next, from Stéphane Colas, Vernon (Normandy), France:

You will find enclosed the photo I took at 05:55 (local time), showing the ATV-3 / Ariane 5 upper stage pair passing over Les Andelys, Normandy, France, just 21 minutes after Ariane 5 lift-off and 4 minutes after the first upper stage shut down! It is very impressive to look at the lift-off via live webcast and then see the payload passing just over one’s head twenty minutes later! I was all the more happy to capture this instant since I had worked during 10 years on the ATV project at Les Mureaux. I expected to benefit from Richard the Lion Heart’s castle, Château Gaillard, in the foreground of the photo, but the ATV appeared much higher in the sky, as it entered in sunlight.

ATV-3 over Les Andelys in Normandy, France, 23 March 2012 05:50 CET Credit/Copyright: Stéphane Colas

ATV-3 over Les Andelys in Normandy, France, 23 March 2012 05:50 CET Credit/Copyright: Stéphane Colas

ATV-3 over Les Andelys in Normandy, France, 23 March 2012 - with constellations indicated 05:50 CET Credit/Copyright: Stéphane Colas

ATV-3 over Les Andelys in Normandy, France, 23 March 2012 - with constellations indicated 05:50 CET Credit/Copyright: Stéphane Colas

ATV-3 over Chateau Gaillard 23 March 2012 05:50 CET Credit/Copyright: Stéphane Colas

ATV-3 over Chateau Gaillard 23 March 2012 05:50 CET Credit/Copyright: Stéphane Colas

In addition to the raw photo of the ATV over the starred sky, I add the same photo with the main constellations highlighted, as well as another one showing the castle above which it appeared in order to put the the reader in the mood. My equipment/settings:

–          Compact camera in manual mode and fixed on a support
–          2s delayed triggering (to avoid any vibration)
–          15s exposure
–          ISO 800
–          Aperture: F/D=3.5

Finally, a great video captured today by Marco Langbroek (who sent us his still image of ATV-3 earlier). Marco wrote:

Video shows the European spacecraft ATV Edoardo Amaldi on its way to the International Space Station with supplies. Filmed from Leiden, the Netherlands, during morning twilight on 24 March.