Guide to Observing the ISS Pass Over the United States During the Night in the Imminent Period
Get ready for a celestial spectacle as the International Space Station (ISS) makes multiple appearances over Los Angeles and New York this week. Here's what you need to know to catch a glimpse of this remarkable sight.
Los Angeles
In the City of Angels, the ISS will be visible multiple times on the evenings of July 29 to July 30, 2025:
- July 29: Around 8:43 pm and again at 10:17 pm Pacific Time
- July 30: At about 9:29 pm Pacific Time
Similar times apply for July 27 and 28 with slight minute shifts, so you can likely catch it on consecutive nights at similar times[1].
New York
The Big Apple also offers several opportunities to see the ISS this week, including:
- July 29: Around 10:11 pm Eastern Time
- July 30: Around 9:22 pm Eastern Time
It will also be visible on July 28 and 30 at times close to these[1].
Observing the ISS
The ISS is best seen shortly after dusk or before dawn when it is dark on the ground but still illuminated by the sun, making it appear as a bright moving point of light across the sky. It orbits Earth every 93 minutes and in a path inclined about 51.6 degrees to the equator, covering large areas but not passing directly overhead every time[1].
For precise viewing, you want clear skies and a dark vantage point free of tall buildings or trees in the direction where the ISS will appear, often low-to-mid-elevation in the night sky.
Tracking the ISS
NASA offers an official app that provides notifications when the ISS is above a user's location. Additionally, there are multiple official trackers available to predict the direction and brightness of the ISS[1].
A Glimpse into Space
The ISS is larger than one might expect when observed, comparable in size to an American football field, hundreds of kilometers up in the sky. As it moves faster than an airplane or satellite, appearing as a white, steady, and smooth line across the sky, it's a sight not to be missed[1].
Remember, the ISS is easier to spot after dusk or before dawn due to sunlight reflection from its solar panels. Even in cities with light pollution, the ISS can be seen[1]. So, grab your chance to witness this incredible spacecraft as it glides silently overhead, weather permitting[1].
[1] Based on information from NASA and various ISS tracking resources.
- During the evenings of July 29 and 30, 2025, the International Space Station (ISS) will be visible multiple times over Los Angeles, with appearances at around 8:43 pm, 10:17 pm on July 29, and 9:29 pm on July 30 (all Pacific Time).
- In New York, the ISS will be visible on July 29 around 10:11 pm Eastern Time and on July 30 around 9:22 pm Eastern Time, with similar appearances also possible on July 28 and 30.
- To fully appreciate the sight of the ISS, it's best to observe it shortly after dusk or before dawn, when it appears as a bright moving point of light against a dark sky. With the help of NASA's official app and other tracking resources, you can predict its direction and brightness and find a clear, dark vantage point for optimal viewing.
