Tips for spotting the International Space Station

By Betsy Kling

CLEVELAND -- Northern Ohioans will have several opportunities to see the International Space Station this week.

Spotting it is rather easy, if you know where and when to look.

Here is an example for ISS spotting directions (from NASA):

ISS Wed Nov 11/05:48 PM 4 86 33 above SW 12 above NE

ISS = International Space Station (you can also see the space shuttle from time to time when it is flying)

Wed Nov 11/05:48 PM = This is the time that the ISS will appear.

4 = The whole sighting will last four minutes

86 = The max elevation, in degrees, above the horizon. The lower this number, the closer to the horizon. A max elevation of 90 would be directly overhead.

33 above SW = This is the elevation, in degrees, above the southwest horizon that the ISS will be initially seen.

12 above NE = This is the elevation, in degrees, above the northeast horizon that the ISS will disappear from view.

First, you must orient yourself on your location. Find the direction that the space station will make its "approach". Figure out where the departure will take place as well.

If the weather conditions are right (clear skies) and the sky is sufficiently dark, you will see a bright, continuous light moving steadily through the sky. It may not look like it from the ground, but the ISS is moving at 17,500 miles per hour!

With a telescope you can actually see the structure of the space station. With a good set of binoculars, you can pick out the shape of it.

For more sighting opportunities and for a diagram with further spotting directions, click on either of the following links:

*Spotting opportunities for Ohio cities
*Spotting help