How to Find the International Space Station Twice Over the Weekend
When we think of the night sky, most people probably think of constellations, planets, the moon, or even meteors sometimes. But the third brightest object in the sky does not fit into any of these categories. Moreover, it is constantly moving. If you guessed that this is the International Space Station (ISS), then you would be right (or just paid attention to the photo at the top of the post.
The ISS is visible to the naked eye and looks like a super-fast aircraft. But your chances of seeing it every night are not the same. On some nights – tonight or tomorrow night, for example – the ISS will be at an altitude that will make it easier to see. Here’s what you need to know about finding the ISS this weekend (and indeed anytime).
How to locate the International Space Station
The ISS is technically visible quite often. But what makes this weekend special is that in many places it reaches a height where it will be easier to see than usual.
Not sure where and when to look for information on how to locate the ISS? That’s what NASA’s Spot the Station website is for. The main page has an interactive map that you can play with, or just type your city in the search bar and you will be redirected to your area.
If there are multiple viewpoints, select the one closest to where you live, click on it, and a chart will open showing time and other information over a period of approximately two weeks.
It will look like this:
The key point here is “maximum altitude,” so as you can see, the ISS will be most visible tonight and tomorrow night in this area (this is Queens, NY). It is best to catch the ISS when the temperature is above 40 degrees (maximum altitude, not temperature).
There are all sorts of numbers in the chart, but NASA breaks them down for us:
The time is when the targeting opportunity will begin in your local time zone. All observations will take place in the hours before or after sunrise or sunset. This is the optimal viewing period as the sun reflects off the space station and contrasts with the darker sky.
Visible is the maximum amount of time that a space station is visible before crossing the horizon again.
Maximum altitude is measured in degrees (also known as altitude). It represents the height of the space station from the horizon in the night sky. The horizon is zero and directly overhead it is ninety degrees. If you keep your fist at arm’s length and place your fist on the horizon, the apex will be about 10 degrees.
Appears – this is the place in the sky where the station will be visible first. This value, like the maximum height, is also measured in degrees from the horizon. The letters represent the compass directions: N – north, WNW – west, northwest, etc.
Disappears means where in the night sky the International Space Station leaves your field of vision.
The good news is, if you miss the ISS, it will always return. You also have the option to subscribe to notifications from NASA . They are sent only on those days when the altitude is at least 40 degrees.