Shubhanshu Shukla on the ISS can be spotted over Indian skies; here's how, when and where to see through your naked eye
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During these passes, the station will appear as a bright, fast-moving star crossing the sky, visible to the naked eye. With clear skies and perfect timing, stargazers can witness this rare celestial event and even imagine waving to Shukla as he looks down from space. It's a moment of national pride and cosmic connection you shouldn't miss.
Watching the ISS pass overhead isn't just a fun skywatching event—it's a moment to reflect on what humanity can achieve when nations work together.
With astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla onboard, this becomes a rare and personal experience for Indians to connect with space in a powerful way.
Don't miss the chance to look up, wave at the sky, and witness the wonder of human achievement gliding above.
Shubhanshu Shukla sends a message from space, inviting Indians to look up and connect
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared a heartfelt message from space, urging Indians to look up and connect with his mission. As the ISS passes over India multiple times in the coming days, Shukla may be observing his homeland through the iconic cupola window, sending silent greetings from orbit.
This chance to spot the ISS while an Indian astronaut is aboard adds a deeply emotional layer to the experience—uniting science, pride, and humanity. The ISS is more than just a spacecraft; it's a monumental achievement in international collaboration. Built and operated by space agencies from the United States (NASA), Russia (Roscosmos), Canada (CSA), Japan (JAXA), and Europe (ESA), the orbiting laboratory has hosted astronauts from 23 countries.
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With over 4,400 scientific experiments conducted by researchers from 109 nations, the ISS represents the cutting edge of human exploration and cooperation.
Valued at over $150 billion, this space lab has not only advanced our understanding of life in space but also served as a crucial stepping stone for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
International Space Station over India: Date and time to spot
Here's when you can see the ISS over Indian skies:
Date
Visible Time(s)
July 7
8:48 PM – 8:55 PM
July 8
4:59 AM – 5:05 AM
7:59 PM – 8:06 PM
9:38 PM – 9:41 PM
July 9
4:10 AM – 4:16 AM
8:48 PM – 8:53 PM
July 10
3:22 AM – 3:27 AM
4:58 AM – 5:04 AM
7:59 PM – 8:05 PM
July 11
2:34 AM – 2:36 AM
4:09 AM – 4:15 AM
July 12
7:59 PM – 8:03 PM
Pro Tip: Twilight viewings offer the clearest chance of visibility.
If you miss the initial dates, don't worry. The ISS will be visible again between July 24 and August 1. With the help of the tracking apps mentioned above, you can plan your next sighting with ease and precision.
How to spot the ISS from Earth through the naked eye
Source: Forbes
The ISS is visible to the naked eye during specific times of the day, primarily at dawn or dusk, when sunlight reflects off its surface. During these twilight hours, it appears as a bright, fast-moving dot crossing the sky in just a few minutes.
You don't need a telescope but just a clear view of the horizon.
To boost your chances of seeing it:
Choose a location away from buildings and trees.
Be alert—the ISS moves faster than any commercial aircraft.
Use tracking tools for accurate timing and direction.
User-friendly apps to track Shubhanshu Shukla and the ISS
Source: X
Two free apps—
NASA's 'Spot the Station'
and the '
ISS Detector
'—make tracking the ISS simple and accessible:
Accurate viewing times: Know exactly when and where to look based on your location.
Know exactly when and where to look based on your location. Duration of visibility: See how long the station will be visible before disappearing below the horizon.
See how long the station will be visible before disappearing below the horizon. Compass directions: Get start and end points for where the ISS will enter and exit your sky.
Get start and end points for where the ISS will enter and exit your sky. Elevation angles: Understand how high above the horizon the ISS will appear.
These apps also come packed with modern features:
Push notifications: Get alerts whenever the ISS is about to appear in your area.
Get alerts whenever the ISS is about to appear in your area. AR mode: Use your smartphone's camera to locate the ISS in real time.
Use your smartphone's camera to locate the ISS in real time. Live maps: Watch the ISS orbit the Earth in real-time from your phone.
Both apps are designed with global accessibility in mind:
Multi-language support: Available in several languages for broader reach.
Available in several languages for broader reach. Customisable alerts: Tailor notifications based on personal preferences and local conditions.
Whether you're a casual skywatcher or a space enthusiast, these tools help make the ISS feel closer than ever.
Viewing tips to maximise your ISS viewing experience
Check apps for accurate timing: Always use trusted apps to confirm local viewing times.
Always use trusted apps to confirm local viewing times. Pick a clear spot: Open skies without trees or buildings are best.
Open skies without trees or buildings are best. Be ready: The ISS moves quickly, so have your eyes on the sky a few minutes early.
The ISS moves quickly, so have your eyes on the sky a few minutes early. Use AR tools: Apps with augmented reality make spotting the station even easier.
Apps with augmented reality make spotting the station even easier. No telescope needed: It's bright enough to see with your eyes alone.
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