When can you see Tiangong over Eltham?
Tiangong over Eltham: Next Visible Pass 04:57 (SSW→ESE) at 10.0° for about 6 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible Tiangong pass over Eltham. The Tiangong Space Station will be visible from Eltham starting at 04:57 .
We predict 2 visible Tiangong passes in the next 36 hours. The next one is at 04:57.
Updated: 04:57 · Night of 2026-03-14 (local) · Timezone: Europe/London
Local Viewing Conditions
Rural / Semi-Rural
Decent darkness with some light domes.
Stars to look for this month
Look high overhead for the Big Dipper and Leo.
- Leo
- Cancer
- Gemini
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Challenging
It might be tricky. Clouds, twilight, or a low path could make the station harder to spot.
Viewing tips
Stargazing tip: With fewer city lights, you may get a clearer view. Find a spot with an open horizon. Look for it to appear in the SSW and travel towards the ESE.
Considerable cloudiness (60%) may obstruct your view.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:57 | Night | 10.0° | 6 min |
60%
05:00
|
0 mm |
| 05:32 | Twilight | 13.7° | 8 min |
100%
06:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next Tiangong pass
Applies to: 04:57 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04:57 NEXT | SSW (194°) | 10.0° | ESE (111°) |
| 05:32 | SW (232°) | 13.7° | ESE (116°) |
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.