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Night Sky Visibility in District of Columbia, United States
Showing: ISS visibility
Track upcoming passes of the International Space Station and Tiangong, plus moon phase and meteor activity across cities in United States. Viewing conditions vary by location — choose a city for precise local times.
Tonight / Next 36h Highlights
City Forecasts
Washington
Downtown DC
Columbia Heights
Central 14th Street / Spring Road
Northwest One
Foggy Bottom
Mount Vernon Triangle
H Street NE
Pleasant Plains
Top city table
| City | Next pass (local date & time) | Visibility | Max elev. | Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central 14th Street / Spring Road | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 3 |
| Northwest One | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 3 |
| Mount Vernon Triangle | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 3 |
| Downtown DC | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 4 |
| Columbia Heights | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 3 |
| H Street NE | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 3 |
| Foggy Bottom | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 3 |
| Washington | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 7 |
| Pleasant Plains | N/A | Not visible — No pass | 16° | 3 |
All Cities in District of Columbia
Browse city pages for exact pass times, elevation, and local viewing guidance.
FAQ
When can I see the ISS from United States?
The ISS is visible when it passes overhead after sunset or before sunrise while still lit by the Sun. Check the city grid above — “Night” and “Twilight” are the best viewing categories.
What does “visible pass” mean?
A “visible” pass typically means the spacecraft is above your horizon and illuminated by sunlight while your sky is dark enough. Visibility improves with higher maximum elevation and darker skies (lower Bortle rating).
When can I see Tiangong from United States?
Tiangong visibility works the same way as the ISS: best near dawn or dusk when it’s sunlit and your sky is darker. Switch the view selector to “Tiangong Passes” to see upcoming opportunities by city.
What is the current moon phase in United States?
The current phase is Waxing Gibbous with approximately 96% illumination. Moonrise and moonset times differ by city.
Are there active meteor showers in United States?
Current status: Active. The next notable shower is Daytime Sextantids (peak October 01). For best results, choose a city with darker skies.
Do I need special equipment to see these events?
No. The ISS and most meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye. Binoculars can help with Moon details.
How this works
Pass predictions depend on orbital paths and sunlight geometry — a spacecraft is easiest to see when it’s sunlit while your location is in twilight or night. Higher maximum elevation generally means a brighter, longer view. Real-world visibility can still be affected by clouds, haze, and light pollution.