When can you see the ISS over Lower Hutt?
ISS over Lower Hutt: Next Pass 17:59 (S→ESE) at 16.1° for about 6 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible ISS pass over Lower Hutt. The International Space Station will be visible from Lower Hutt starting at 17:59.
The best opportunity in the next 36 hours is 2026-04-29 18:47. It will be a bright, high pass (69° elevation). (Night pass with very high elevation.) There are 2 visible passes predicted in total.
Updated: 05:59 · Night of 2026-04-26 (local) · Timezone: Pacific/Auckland
Local Viewing Conditions
Suburban Bright
Noticeable light pollution.
Stars to look for this month
Look south for the Southern Cross (Crux) high in the sky.
- Crux
- Centaurus
- Virgo
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Next visible pass
Look up at 2026-04-29 18:47
Moves SW → ENE. Peaks at 69°.
Forecast cloud cover: 28%.
Viewing tips
Starts at 2026-04-29 18:47. Appears SW (233°) and moves toward NE (60°). Peaks at 69° (high in the sky).
The moon is 87% illuminated, which can wash out the sky slightly.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:59 | Twilight | 16.1° | 6 min |
22%
18:00
|
0 mm |
| 19:32 | Night | 42.2° | 10 min |
6%
20:00
|
0 mm |
| 18:44 | Night | 29.8° | 10 min |
59%
19:00
|
0 mm |
| 20:21 | Night | 40.3° | 10 min |
54%
20:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next ISS pass
Applies to: 17:59 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17:59 NEXT | S (186°) | 16.1° | ESE (108°) |
| 19:32 | SW (231°) | 42.2° | ENE (70°) |
| 18:44 | SW (230°) | 29.8° | E (80°) |
| 20:21 | WSW (240°) | 40.3° | NE (35°) |
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
The station weighs approximately 925,000 pounds (420,000 kilograms).
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before pass time with a clear horizon and minimal direct glare.