`city Of Lights' Prepares To Turn It On Again

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday October 29, 1998

DAVID REARDON

Homes, offices and sports fields across Perth will flick on their lights early on Saturday to welcome back John Glenn, who put the city on the map 36 years ago. The astronaut called Perth the "City of Lights" after residents turned on their lights as his space capsule, Friendship 7, passed overhead on February 20, 1962.

Mr Jamie Biggs of the Perth Observatory said the astronauts on board Discovery would have a clear view of Perth as they passed about 500 kilometres overhead. But the vessel would not be visible from Earth. "People will only get the chance to see Discovery for about two hours after sunset and two hours before sunrise. Other than that, the shuttle will be in the shadow of the sun," he said.

© 1998 Sydney Morning Herald

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