But the third-brightest object in the sky doesnt fall into any of those categories.
Plus, its constantly moving.
The ISS is visible to the naked eye, and looks like a plane thats moving extra fast.
But your chances of seeing it arent the same every night.
Some nightslike tonight, and tomorrow nightthe ISS will be at a height thatll make it easier to see.
Heres what to know aboutfinding the ISSthis weekend (and anytime, really).
How to spot the International Space Station
Technically, the ISS is visible pretty frequently.
Not sure when or where to look for information on how to spot the ISS?
Thats whatNASAs Spot the Stationwebsite is for.
Your best bet for catching the ISS is when its above 40 degrees (max heightnot temperature).
All sightings will occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset.
Visible
is the maximum time period the space station is visible before crossing back below the horizon.
Max Height
is measured in degrees (also known as elevation).
It represents the height of the space station from the horizon in the night sky.
The horizon is at zero degrees, and directly overhead is ninety degrees.
Appears
is the location in the sky where the station will be visible first.
This value, like maximum height, also is measured in degrees from the horizon.
The letters represent compass directions N is north, WNW is west by northwest, and so on.
Disappears
represents where in the night sky the International Space Station will leave your field of view.
The good news is that if you miss the ISS, itll always come circling back.
You also have the option ofsigning up for alerts from NASA.
They only send them on days when the height will be at least 40 degrees.
