International Space Station Visible over UK

With the Space Shuttle Discovery installing a final set of solar panels on the International Space Station (ISS) at the moment (making it the brightest object in the night sky, after the Moon) and the fine weather we are having, the scope for seeing the ISS is very good at the moment.

In general, low-Earth orbiting satellites are visible for about an hour or so after sunlight and before dawn, when it is dark on the ground but the satellites are still illuminated by the Sun. The inclination of the ISS orbit is such that at the latitude of the UK the station will usually be seen in the south and will and be visible for only a few minutes. To get predictions, go to this NASA website or register (free) at Heavens Above for even more accuracy.

Enjoy!