When can you see Tiangong over Ashburton?
Tiangong over Ashburton: Next Visible Pass 20:17 (W→E) at 54.5° for about 10 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible Tiangong pass over Ashburton. The Tiangong Space Station will be visible from Ashburton starting at 20:17 .
We predict 4 visible Tiangong passes in the next 36 hours. The next one is at 20:17.
Updated: 05:02 · Night of 2026-03-14 (local) · Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
Local Viewing Conditions
Rural / Semi-Rural
Decent darkness with some light domes.
Stars to look for this month
Look south for the Southern Cross (Crux) high in the sky.
- Crux
- Carina
- Vela
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Excellent
Conditions look favorable! The sky should be clear enough or the pass is high and bright.
Viewing tips
For Ashburton: You'll experience a standard duration of twilight, offering good viewing opportunities. Look for it to appear in the W and travel towards the E.
High in the sky—easier to follow for longer.
Conditions are evaluated using cloud cover, moon phase, and Tiangong elevation.
Visible Tiangong passes in the next 36 hours
| Time (Local) | Visibility | Max Height | Duration | Cloud Cover | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:17 | Twilight | 54.5° | 10 min |
0%
20:00
|
0 mm |
| 21:54 | Night | 28.2° | 10 min |
0%
22:00
|
0 mm |
| 20:54 | Night | 38.1° | 10 min |
39%
21:00
|
0 mm |
| 22:31 | Night | 12.8° | 8 min |
1%
23:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next Tiangong pass
Applies to: 20:17 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20:17 NEXT | W (275°) | 54.5° | E (79°) |
| 21:54 | W (269°) | 28.2° | NE (53°) |
| 20:54 | W (268°) | 38.1° | ENE (63°) |
| 22:31 | W (272°) | 12.8° | NNE (26°) |
Viewing Gear Guide
Binoculars
While Tiangong is visible to the naked eye, a pair of 10x50 binoculars can help you track it more easily.
Photography
To capture the light trail, use a tripod and a long exposure (10-30 seconds).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Tiangong through clouds?
No, the Tiangong Space Station 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 time predictions are highly accurate (within seconds). Weather can shift quickly, so re-check cloud cover close to the pass.
What does “visible pass” mean?
A "visible pass" means Tiangong is sunlit while your sky is dark enough to see it.
Tiangong fact of the day
Tiangong is smaller than the International Space Station but incorporates more modern systems and automation.
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before the pass time with a clear view of the sky, away from bright lights.