International space station from earth

How to See the Space Station From the Ground

Depending on your location on the Earth's surface, a spacecraft's position in orbit and the time of day, you may be able to see the International Space Station (ISS) or visiting vehicles as they orbit about 240 statute miles above the planet. The space station looks like a fast-moving plane in the sky, but it will be seen as a steady – not blinking – white pinpoint of light. Typically it will be the brightest object in the night sky (except for the Moon).  It is bright enough that it can even be seen from the middle of a city!

The left column is the satellite. The next column is the local date and the local time. The third column gives the duration, or the length of time in minutes the spacecraft is expected to be visible, assuming a clear sky. The fourth column gives the maximum elevation the vehicle will achieve above the horizon (90 degrees is directly overhead). The fifth column tells the direction and elevation at which the spacecraft will become visible initially. The sixth column gives the direction and elevation at which the spacecraft will disappear from view.

Satellite

Local (date/time)

Duration (min)

Max Elevation (deg)

Approach (deg-dir)

Departure (deg-dir)

ISS

Tue Nov 14/06:22 AM

4

66

10 above WSW

31 above NE