International Space Station, the current home of Sudhanshu Shukla can be seen from naked eyes in Indian skies: Here’s how to spot it

It’s a proud moment for every Indian as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is now aboard the International Space Station (ISS), soaring above our skies, looking down at his homeland from space.And Indian’s are about to witness the most surprising and beautiful moments of their lives as the ISS will be visible over India in the coming days. With a little planning and a clear sky, one can look up and ‘wave at the stars’.Using NASA’s free “Spot the Station” app, even casual observers can witness this marvel of modern science from their backyards.Over the next few days, the International Space Station (ISS), which is currently home to India’s astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, will fly over Indian skies multiple times, giving a rare chance for the public to spot this orbiting lab from Earth.

Shukla appeals Indians to ‘join in on his mission’

Shukla has been making heartfelt appeals from space, inviting fellow Indians to "join in on his mission". With clear skies and just the right timing, anyone with a smartphone or even just a pair of curious eyes can witness this historic connection.

Watch 16 Sunrises in a day aboard ISS!

The ISS moves at a speed of 28,000 km/h and circles Earth every 90 minutes. That means it offers about 16 sunrises and sunsets daily for the astronauts on board. Spotting it from Earth, however, depends on catching it during twilight, just before sunrise or just after sunset, when the station reflects sunlight and shines like a fast-moving star across the sky.

Why is the ISS visible despite being so far?

The ISS is visible because it reflects sunlight, but only during twilight hours, shortly after sunset or just before sunrise, when the sky is dark enough to see it shine. It moves quickly across the sky, like a bright, steady star with no blinking lights.

What apps can you use to spot the ISS?

Apps like NASA’s Spot the Station and the ISS Detector make viewing accessible for all. These apps provide real-time alerts and detailed information like timing, duration, and direction of the ISS’s path, making it easier than ever to track.

Important dates and timings for spotting the ISS over India

July 7: 8:48pm - 8:55pmJuly 8: 4:59am - 5:05am; 7:59pm - 8:06pm; 9:38pm - 9:41pmJuly 9: 4:10am - 4:16am; 8:48pm - 8:53pmJuly 10: 3:22am - 3:27am; 4:58am - 5:04am; 7:59pm - 8:05pmJuly 11: 2:34am - 2:36am; 4:09am - 4:15am July 12: 7:59pm - 8:03pmNASA’s flight control team in Houston constantly monitors and updates the ISS’s trajectory to ensure accuracy in public tracking tools. As a result, the apps remain incredibly precise and reliable.The ISS itself is a monument of international cooperation. Operated by the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada, the station has hosted astronauts from 23 countries and has supported more than 4,400 scientific experiments. India’s participation is a significant step toward its goal of building its space station by 2035.