When can you see the ISS over Philadelphia?
ISS over Philadelphia: Next Pass 19:19 (SW→NE) at 57.2° for about 10 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible ISS pass over Philadelphia. The International Space Station will be visible from Philadelphia starting at 19:19.
The best opportunity in the next 36 hours is 2026-03-14 20:09. It will reach 31° elevation. (Night pass with moderate elevation but cloud cover may interfere.) There are 2 visible passes predicted in total.
Updated: 08:32 · Night of 2026-03-13 (local) · Timezone: America/New_York
Local Viewing Conditions
Urban / Inner City
Intense light pollution.
Stars to look for this month
Look high overhead for the Big Dipper and Leo.
- Leo
- Cancer
- Gemini
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Next visible pass
Look up at 2026-03-14 20:09
Moves WSW → NE. Peaks at 31°.
Forecast cloud cover: 88%.
Viewing tips
Starts at 2026-03-14 20:09. Appears W (258°) and moves toward NE (46°). Peaks at 31° (about halfway up).
Forecast warns of 88% cloud cover, so it might be hard to spot.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:19 | Twilight | 57.2° | 10 min |
20%
19:00
|
0 mm |
| 20:56 | Night | 22.7° | 10 min |
21%
21:00
|
0 mm |
| 22:34 | Night | 11.7° | 8 min |
24%
23:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next ISS pass
Applies to: 19:19 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19:19 NEXT | SW (222°) | 57.2° | NE (56°) |
| 20:56 | W (266°) | 22.7° | NE (46°) |
| 22:34 | WNW (301°) | 11.7° | NE (50°) |
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
Water on the station is recycled, including urine and sweat, with a recovery rate of over 90%.
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before pass time with a clear horizon and minimal direct glare.