When can you see the ISS over Schenectady?
ISS over Schenectady: Next Pass 04:35 (S→ENE) at 18.4° for about 7 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible ISS pass over Schenectady. The International Space Station will be visible from Schenectady starting at 04:35.
We predict 2 visible ISS passes in the next 36 hours. The next one is at 04:35.
Updated: 08:35 · Night of 2026-06-18 (local) · Timezone: America/New_York
Local Viewing Conditions
Rural / Semi-Rural
Decent darkness with some light domes.
Stars to look for this month
Look high in the sky after midnight for the Summer Triangle.
- Hercules
- Lyra
- Cygnus
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Challenging
Viewing is likely difficult due to heavy cloud cover or a very low pass.
Viewing tips
Stargazing tip: Step away from direct streetlights and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for a few minutes. Look for it to appear in the S and travel towards the ENE.
Cloud cover is high (100%), so the station will likely be hidden behind clouds.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:35 | Twilight | 18.4° | 7 min |
100%
05:00
|
1.4 mm |
| 03:46 | Night | 11.0° | 8 min |
73%
04:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next ISS pass
Applies to: 04:35 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04:35 NEXT | S (179°) | 18.4° | ENE (70°) |
| 03:46 | S (180°) | 11.0° | ENE (77°) |
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 ISS is the single most expensive object ever built, costing over $150 billion.
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before pass time with a clear horizon and minimal direct glare.