When can you see the ISS over Melbourne?
ISS over Melbourne: Next Pass 03:35 (WSW→SE) at 11.1° for about 8 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible ISS pass over Melbourne. The International Space Station will be visible from Melbourne starting at 03:35.
The best opportunity in the next 36 hours is 2026-09-27 02:47. It will reach 14° elevation. (Night pass that stays low but cloud cover may interfere.) There is 1 visible pass predicted in total.
Updated: 08:46 · Night of 2026-09-25 (local) · Timezone: Australia/Melbourne
Local Viewing Conditions
Urban / Inner City
Intense light pollution.
Stars to look for this month
Look north to see Pegasus and the Great Square.
- Capricornus
- Aquarius
- Piscis Austrinus
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Next visible pass
Look up at 2026-09-27 02:47
Moves WSW → SE. Peaks at 14°.
Forecast cloud cover: 97%.
Viewing tips
Starts at 2026-09-27 02:47. Appears W (256°) and moves toward SE (144°). Peaks at 14° (very low near the horizon).
Forecast warns of 97% cloud cover, so it might be hard to spot.
Conditions are evaluated using cloud cover, moon phase, and ISS elevation.
Visible ISS passes in the next 36 hours
| Time (Local) | Visibility | Max Height | Duration | Cloud Cover | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:35 | Night | 11.1° | 8 min |
100%
04:00
|
0 mm |
| 02:46 | Night | 14.0° | 9 min |
87%
03:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next ISS pass
Applies to: 03:35 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03:35 NEXT | WSW (248°) | 11.1° | SE (140°) |
| 02:46 | W (259°) | 14.0° | SE (142°) |
Viewing Gear Guide
Binoculars
While the ISS is visible to the naked eye, a pair of 10x50 binoculars can reveal more structure detail.
Photography
To capture the ISS light trail, use a tripod and a long exposure (10-30 seconds).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the ISS through clouds?
No, the ISS is not visible through thick clouds. If cloud cover is low, you may still catch it through breaks.
How much cloud cover is too much?
Above ~80% cloud cover, viewing is usually difficult. Best results are typically with 0-20% cloud cover.
How accurate is the forecast?
Pass timing is highly accurate. Weather can shift quickly, so re-check cloud cover close to the pass.
What does visible pass mean?
A visible pass means the ISS is sunlit while your sky is dark enough to see it.
ISS fact of the day
It has been continuously inhabited by humans since November 2, 2000.
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before pass time with a clear horizon and minimal direct glare.