Can You See the ISS, Hubble or Starlink Tonight? Complete Viewing Guide
Compare ISS, Hubble and Starlink visibility and learn how to check which satellites may be visible from your location tonight.
If you are looking for satellites visible tonight, start by separating “above the horizon” from truly visible. You can see some human-made spacecraft with the naked eye, but those two ideas are not the same thing. The ISS, Hubble and Starlink have very different typical brightness and viewing behavior. Use a location-based pass prediction first, then consider sunlight, sky darkness and local weather.
Which satellites are visible tonight?
The ISS is usually the easiest of these three targets during a favorable visible pass. Some Starlink satellites can also be visible, especially under favorable geometry or when satellites are still grouped after deployment. Hubble can be visible under the right conditions but is generally a more demanding target. Your exact opportunity changes with location and date.
Why the ISS is often easiest
The ISS is a large reflective spacecraft in low Earth orbit. During a favorable twilight pass it can appear extremely bright and move steadily across a large part of the sky. NASA notes that the station is visible because it reflects sunlight and that no telescope is required for suitable passes.
Can you see Starlink with the naked eye?
Yes, individual Starlink satellites can sometimes be seen, and a newly deployed group may be much easier to notice because multiple lights appear along a similar track. However, many predicted passes are not visually dramatic. Use the Starlink train guide to understand why the view changes after launch.
Can you see Hubble from Earth?
Hubble travels in low Earth orbit and can be visible to the naked eye during favorable passes, but it is not as consistently conspicuous as the ISS. Check the Hubble tracker, choose a useful pass and observe from a location with a clear sky.
What makes a satellite visible?
Three conditions matter most: it must be above your horizon, the sky must be dark enough for contrast, and the spacecraft must be illuminated strongly enough to reflect sunlight toward you. Cloud, haze, light pollution and low elevation can further reduce your chances.
How to check what is above you tonight
Start with the SpaceTracker.live home experience and individual trackers. Enter your observer location, inspect the next passes, then use the predicted direction and elevation to plan where to look. For interpreting those angles, see where to look using azimuth and elevation.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see satellites from New York or Los Angeles?
Yes, bright satellite passes can be visible from major cities, although darker skies improve the chance of detecting fainter objects.
Do satellites flash?
Some satellites can change brightness as their orientation changes, but regular colored blinking is more characteristic of aircraft.
Why is a satellite shown overhead but not visible?
The prediction may describe geometry only. If the spacecraft is in Earth’s shadow or the sky is too bright, you may not see it.
Do I need an app or telescope?
A tracker is useful for timing and direction, but many bright satellite passes can be observed with the naked eye.