How to See the International Space Station

Visit the Heavens Above website to find out when the ISS will be visible in your area. You can access the information without registering as a user, but if you plan to use the site more than once, becoming a registered user saves time.

Choose a time when the ISS has the brightest magnitude and highest elevation (or altitude), and it will be overhead shortly after sunset or before sunrise. The brighter the object, the lower the number, so find the largest negative number you can.

Start looking for it near the horizon. If you can't see the horizon, travel to a place where you can see it, preferably where there aren't any city lights.

Watch the sky in the direction and altitude given to you at the Heavens Above site. Remember that the horizon is at 0 degrees altitude and the sky directly above you is 90 degrees. You may want to use a compass to find the right direction to look.

Try using the star chart given by Heavens Above to find the ISS among the constellations. Hold the chart above your head and turn it until it matches the stars you see.

Remember that you may not be able to see the ISS during part of its pass. To be visible from the ground, the ISS must move out of Earth's shadow so it can catch sunlight on its solar panels. It can do this even if it's dark on the ground.