Where to see the Hubble Space Telescope over Tampa Bay this week

Starting Tuesday, the Hubble Space Telescope will pass almost directly over St. Petersburg several nights this week.

What to look for: Heavens Above, a nonprofit satellite prediction site, says the HST will look like a bright star slowly moving from west to east.

• Wednesday or Thursday will likely be the best chance at a clear sky for viewing, St. Petersburg College Planetarium director Craig Joseph told Axios.

When to keep an eye out:

• Tuesday, 9:30pm: The HST will reach its highest point in the southern sky, passing the star Regulus in the constellation Leo before disappearing into the Earth’s shadow.
• Wednesday, 9:19pm : HST will squeak past the Moon before disappearing in the eastern sky as it approaches the bright star Arcturus.
• Thursday, 9:08pm: After passing overhead, it will disappear low in the eastern sky as it passes Arcturus.
• Friday, 8:57pm: It will pass very close to Arcturus before disappearing.

Pro tip to make sure you catch a glimpse, via Heavens Above: Start looking toward the western sky a couple minutes before the predicted times.