Dozens of times a year, there’s a sky show that most of us never notice or have any idea that it’s happening. It happens quickly, but is predictable and no matter where you are, you can see it too. The first time I saw it, I was amazed at how bright, fast and awesome it was – and still am awed each time I see it.

The International Space Station (ISS) circles the globe 15.7 times each day,  traveling at an average speed of 17,227 miles per hour, about 205-255 miles above us.

My dad is going to be 90 Christmas day, but every few days he goes online, gets the latest information on how to track and watch one of the coolest things you’ll ever see – the International Space Station (ISS) “flying” through the beautiful night sky. Here’s how Mr. Ed does it.

How To View The ISS

– Go to the Heavens Above website at: http://www.heavens-above.com/
– Under “Configuration: click “Create a New User Account”.
– This will take you to a page where you can define your location. Create a user name (be sure and remember it), and under location start with United States, under “Search String” type in your city or the closest one to you. This will take you to a page that shows where your first location is set up. If it all looks OK, click on the “Main Predictions Page”.
– This will take you to the main page, under  “Satellites” click on 10 day predictions for: ISS.
– This will take you to the ISS 10 day prediction page that looks like this (how to read it below).

Heavens Above ISS 10 Day Predictions

How To Read The Chart

– Brightness: The lower the brighter! Anything below -1 is worth checking out, and anything below -3 is a must see.
– Start: Alt: From the horizon where it will be seen. Az: Compass Direction to look for it.
– Highest Point : Alt: From the horizon where it will be seen. 90 degrees would be directly overhead Az: Compass Direction to look for it.
– End: Alt: From the horizon where it will last be seen. Az: Compass Direction to look for it.

Wanna Learn More About the ISS?

Click here to learn more!