Catch the International Space Station (ISS) Passing Overhead!

For nearly 25 years, the International Space Station (ISS) has been orbiting our planet, showcasing humanity's incredible advancements in space exploration. Every 93 minutes, it completes a circuit around Earth, offering a captivating spectacle in our night sky.

Since the ISS travels at an angle of 51.6 degrees, it doesn’t follow a set path over the same spots regularly, making it a unique celestial event! Each day, it orbits the Earth about 15.5 times, but it shines most brilliantly in the night when sunlight reflects off its solar panels.

When to Look for the ISS in the U.S.

Great news for stargazers in the U.S.! If you’re in Los Angeles, you have an excellent opportunity to catch the ISS tonight at 8:43 PM PT and again at 10:17 PM. Tomorrow offers another chance at 9:29 PM. East Coasters don't miss out either! In New York, it will be visible at 10:11 PM tonight and again tomorrow at 9:22 PM. Mark your calendars for more sightings over the weekend!

Tracking the ISS Made Easy!

Excited to spot the ISS? There are official tracking tools and apps that provide real-time predictions on visibility, direction, and brightness. NASA offers a handy tracking app that even sends alerts when the ISS is flying overhead!

How to Spot the ISS Like a Pro!

No telescope or binoculars? No worries! The ISS is bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. Picture this: it’s long, akin to an American football field, soaring hundreds of kilometers above you, reflecting sunlight, and moving steadily across the sky. When it’s above you, it's nearly impossible to miss!

And if the weather doesn’t cooperate tonight, don’t fret! The ISS will be back around soon enough, giving you plenty of chances to catch this marvel again.