Seeing the ISS from Earth

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest and most well-known space station on Earth. However, while many people know a bit about the International Space Station, including that its construction is an ongoing NASA mission, most don't know they can actually see ISS from Earth. 
 
The number one requirement for viewing the ISS is to get away from city lights. Binoculars and telescopes aren't even necessary if you know what you're looking for in the sky. In fact, because of how fast ISS moves, using a telescope would actually make it more difficult to see this space station.
 
ISS, unlike most other objects in the sky, moves west to east. Here are some other tips that can help you see ISS:
  • ISS generally looks like a slow-moving star.

  • Make sure you note the direction and elevation of ISS when you're searching the sky. This will make it easier to locate ISS.

  • Prime viewing time for the International Space Station is just after sunset or just before sunrise. At these points in the day, the ISS vehicles are reflecting the most sunlight, making them easier to see.
Tracking the International Space Station
The following agencies and services have Web sites that offer up-to-date info on the tracking and location of ISS:
  • J-Pass 2.0
  • J-Pass E-Mail Generator
  • NORAD
  • Orbital Information Group (from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
  • SkyWatch (from NASA)
  • Where is the International Space Station?
 
Because the International Space Station is still under construction (the expected date of completion is in 2010), new modules are continually being added to it. When complete, ISS will consist of 14 separate modules that will include:
  • life support systems
  • living quarters for crewmembers
  • power supply
  • research laboratories
  • storage areas.
As the space station grows, it will become larger and easier to see. Once you learn to recognize ISS, you may want to use binoculars to see more details of the space station. Tracking the International Space Station and its changes and additions can be a fun project for any space enthusiast or astronomy student.
 
One phenomenon that is fun to view is the dumping of water from the International Space Station. As soon as the water hits the air, it crystallizes. This provides a beautiful, glittering sight in the sunlight.
 
To get the exact location of ISS at different times, view NASA's Web site or the tracking sites mentioned above. Alternatively, you can enter in your own location and the services will tell you when ISS will be near enough to view, where you need to go to view ISS and details on spotting it among the many other celestial bodies in space.
 
As you start to become more familiar with how to spot ISS, you may want to start learning more about astronomy, space or aerospace. Joining a star gazing group and regularly practicing stargazing can put you on the road to becoming an amateur astronomer. Amateur astronomers and other space exploration enthusiasts can learn a great deal about ISS and space exploration by viewing the International Space Station from Earth.
 
Resources
 
NASA (2000). Station Sightings. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from the NASA Web site.
 
Starry Skies (2007). Viewing the Space Shuttle and International Space Station from Earth. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from the Starry Skies Web site.