When can you see Tiangong over Houston?
Tiangong over Houston: Next Visible Pass 05:50 (SSW→E) at 14.3° for about 8 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible Tiangong pass over Houston. The Tiangong Space Station will be visible from Houston starting at 05:50 .
We predict 1 visible Tiangong pass in the next 36 hours. The next one is at 05:50.
Updated: 08:47 · Night of 2026-06-17 (local) · Timezone: America/Chicago
Local Viewing Conditions
Urban / Inner City
Intense light pollution.
Stars to look for this month
Look high in the sky after midnight for the Summer Triangle.
- Hercules
- Lyra
- Cygnus
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Good
Conditions are decent. You might have to look between some clouds or deal with a lower pass.
Viewing tips
For Houston: Twilight is short here, so be ready at the start time as the sky darkens and lightens quickly. Look for it to appear in the SSW and travel towards the E.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:50 | Twilight | 14.3° | 8 min |
22%
06:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next Tiangong pass
Applies to: 05:50 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05:50 NEXT | SSW (199°) | 14.3° | E (80°) |
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
Unlike the ISS, Tiangong is currently operated by a single nation rather than an international partnership.
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before the pass time with a clear view of the sky, away from bright lights.