How to Spot the International Space Station Tonight

The International Space Station is one of the brightest objects in the night sky, and you do not need a telescope to see it. At roughly the size of a football field, the ISS reflects sunlight so effectively that it outshines most stars. With a little planning, anyone can spot it passing overhead in just a few minutes.

When Is the ISS Visible?

The ISS orbits Earth roughly every 90 minutes at an altitude of about 408 kilometers. It is only visible when two conditions align: the sky at your location is dark (shortly after sunset or before sunrise), and the station is illuminated by sunlight above. This creates a window of about one to four hours after sunset and before sunrise when passes can be seen. During summer months at higher latitudes, more frequent passes are common because the sun does not dip far below the horizon.

What Does the ISS Look Like?

To the naked eye, the ISS appears as a bright, steady point of light moving smoothly across the sky. Unlike airplanes, it has no blinking lights. A typical pass lasts between two and six minutes, during which the station moves from one horizon toward the other. On its brightest passes, the ISS can reach an apparent magnitude of around -4, rivaling Venus. It may dim and fade as it enters Earth's shadow mid-pass.

How to Use Track The Sky for ISS Passes

Open the ISS live tracker on Track The Sky and set your observer location using the geolocation button, manual coordinates, or one of the preset cities. The tracker calculates upcoming overhead passes and shows you the approach direction, maximum elevation, and duration. Enable browser notifications to receive a five-minute alert before each pass so you never miss one.

Tips for the Best Viewing

• Find an open area with a clear view of the sky, away from tall buildings and trees.
• Give your eyes five to ten minutes to adjust to the darkness before the pass begins.
• Higher-elevation passes (above 40 degrees) are brighter and easier to see than those near the horizon.
• Clear skies are essential. Check local weather before heading out.
• Use Track The Sky's Sky View polar plot to know exactly where the ISS will appear and disappear relative to your position.

Beyond Watching: Learn More

The ISS hosts rotating crews of astronauts from agencies around the world, conducting science experiments in microgravity. Track The Sky's ISS Live View panel shows the current crew manifest alongside real-time altitude, velocity, and sunlit status. Once you have spotted the station, explore our guide to the brightest satellites to find out what else you can see without a telescope.