Guide
How to See the ISS Tonight
The ISS is one of the easiest spacecraft to see from the ground. The best passes happen when your sky is dark but the station is still sunlit.
Start with your location
Satellite passes depend strongly on latitude and longitude. Use the Over Me calculator, allow browser location, or enter coordinates manually.
Choose a high pass
A pass with a higher maximum elevation is usually easier to see because the ISS climbs farther above the horizon and stays clear of buildings and trees.
Check the sky condition
Dark and twilight passes are usually best. Daylight passes may still be calculated, but the station is normally not visible against a bright sky.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the ISS without a telescope?
Yes. A good ISS pass looks like a bright moving point and does not require a telescope.
Why are some passes not visible?
The ISS must be above your horizon, your sky should be dark enough, and the station must be illuminated by the Sun.