Viewing guide
See the ISS from Earth
Learn when and how to see the International Space Station from your location.
Pass lookup
Can you see it soon?
Enter your coordinates or use browser location permission to estimate visible ISS pass candidates for the next 48 hours.
Predictions use current TLE orbital data in the browser. They are educational estimates, not official viewing alerts. Re-check close to viewing time and use local sky conditions.
Observing tips
How to spot the station
Use the pass estimator first, then scan for a steady bright point moving across the predicted sky path.
Best time to look
Shortly after sunset or before sunrise.
What it looks like
A bright, steady moving point of light.
What direction to look
Use the pass prediction direction and watch the sky path.
What makes a good pass
High above the horizon, several minutes long, and under clear skies.
What can block visibility
Clouds, haze, buildings, trees, city glare, or Earth's shadow.
How it differs from aircraft
It usually does not blink and moves smoothly.
Bright dot→Steady movement→Disappears in shadow
Watch live
Live station view
Watch NASA's live ISS stream when available, then use the viewing guide to understand when the station might be visible from Earth.