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Find when the International Space Station passes over your location—visible as a bright star moving across the sky.
Best ISS Passes Right Now
ISS Sighting Predictions
Find the best times to see the ISS passing overhead with precise viewing times and weather forecasts.
About the International Space Station
How to Spot the ISS
Check the timing
The ISS is best visible during dawn or dusk when the sky is dark but the station is still illuminated by sunlight.
Find a clear view
Go outside a few minutes early and face the direction indicated. Look for a bright, steady light moving across the sky.
Watch it pass
The ISS appears as a bright star moving steadily across the sky—no blinking! Passes typically last 2-6 minutes.
About ISS Tracking
The International Space Station has been continuously inhabited since November 2000, making it humanity's longest-running crewed spacecraft. Orbiting at approximately 420 km above Earth, it travels at 27,600 km/h—completing one orbit every 92 minutes.
At the size of a football field, the ISS is the third brightest object in the night sky after the Moon and Venus. When conditions are right, it's easily visible to the naked eye as a bright, steady light moving across the sky.
💡 Pro Tip
Higher elevation passes (60°+) are brighter and easier to spot. Look for passes rated "Excellent" for the best viewing experience.
OrbitalPing calculates pass predictions based on real-time orbital data (TLE) and your exact location, including local weather forecasts to help you choose clear-sky viewing opportunities.
Common Questions
How often can I see the ISS? +
The ISS is visible from most locations several times per week. However, visibility depends on your location, time of year, and weather. The best passes occur during dawn and dusk when the station is sunlit against a dark sky.
What does elevation angle mean? +
Elevation is how high above the horizon the ISS appears. 0° is the horizon, 90° is directly overhead. Passes above 40° are generally easier to see and brighter. Passes above 60° are considered excellent.
Why can't I see the ISS at midnight? +
The ISS is only visible when it's illuminated by the Sun while you're in darkness. During the middle of the night, the ISS passes through Earth's shadow and isn't lit up. The best viewing times are 1-2 hours after sunset or before sunrise.
Why Choose OrbitalPing?
Precise Predictions
Calculations based on real-time TLE data for your exact coordinates.
Weather Aware
Cloud cover forecasts help you choose clear-sky viewing opportunities.
Free Alerts
Get notified before great passes—never miss an ISS sighting.