There’s something truly magical about looking up at a clear night sky. When the clouds stay away, we’re treated to a dazzling display of stars, planets, and sometimes even rare celestial events. Over the past few weeks, the night sky has given us some unforgettable sights—most of the planets aligning and even the stunning northern lights making an appearance.
But did you know that one of the brightest “stars” in the night sky isn’t a star at all? It’s the International Space Station (ISS).
Spotting the International Space Station
The ISS is a fascinating piece of engineering. Orbiting the Earth at about 17,500 mph, it completes a full trip around the planet every 90 minutes! It reflects sunlight, which makes it visible from the ground as a bright, fast-moving point of light. Unlike an airplane, it doesn’t blink—it moves steadily across the sky before disappearing as it enters Earth’s shadow.
Want to know when the ISS will pass over your area? NASA has a handy tracker on their website, where you can find the next visible sighting times. Just visit https://spotthestation.nasa.gov and enter your location to see when you can catch a glimpse of this incredible orbiting laboratory.
So next time you’re outside on a clear night, take a moment to look up. You never know what wonders you might see!