View of the Earth and Moon from the MESSENGER spacecraft, which will enter Mercury’s orbit early next year. NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington.

>> The SpaceUP DC “unconference” is this Friday and Saturday. Your DCist Space Editor will be there, discussing space exploration and education issues with lots of other supporters. Not to mention a little networking, a little moonpie eating, and probably a lot of beer drinking at the happy hours afterward. No engineering or other experience required, just a passion for space and desire to see the next generation find out what’s next. (Oh yes, I went there with the sappy Sorkin clip). You must register in advance, so get your ticket here.

>> Have you gotten an email telling you that Mars will look as big as the Full Moon on August 27? Around ye olde astronomy circle, we like to call that the “Mars Hoax,” which has been making the rounds since 2003. Shelley Witte at the National Air and Space Museum explains the confusion with a bit of science and a smidge of common sense.

>> The orbit of the International Space Station hasn’t been overhead for awhile, but has made its way back to us earlier this week. We can find it in the sky at decent times, the 8 or 9 p.m. hour, for the next few days. Keep an eye on the Satellite Tracker for exact times and locations in the sky. Tonight, find it in the western sky at 9:30 p.m. at about 40 degrees from the horizon (that is, your outstretched fist stacked four times); it will transit the sky in about two-and-a-half minutes.