If you’re a fan of skygazing, make sure you have your eyes to the skies this evening.
The International Space Station (ISS) will be visible from the UK tonight, and you don't want to miss it!
The ISS orbits our planet at a height of around 400km, meaning the space station makes around 16 trips around Earth every single day.
It’s regularly visible from the UK, although not at the most sociable times.
NASA explained: “All sightings will occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset. This is the optimum viewing period as the sun reflects off the space station and contrasts against the darker sky.”
Here’s a round-up of times the ISS will be visible from the UK this week, as well as how you can see it.
ISS sightings from the UK this week
Fri May 29, 10:59 PM
Sat May 30, 10:11 PM
NASA's Spot the Station website is updated regularly, and allows you to pinpoint timings for sightings in your area.
How to see the ISS
For your best chance to see the ISS, head to an area with little light pollution, such as the countryside.
NASA advised: “The space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it doesn’t have flashing lights or change direction.
“It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane (airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles per hour; the space station flies at 17,500 miles per hour).”
During Saturday’s passing, you may also have the opportunity to see the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket passing over the UK.
NASA and SpaceX will attempt to launch rocket for the second time at 20:22 BST on Saturday night, following a failed attempt last night.
While it remains unclear whether the rocket will be visible from the UK after Saturday’s launch, experts claim there’s a high chance.
Virtual Astro explained: “We may be able to see Dragon after launch on Saturday.
“Not 15 minutes after launch, but on subsequent orbits that evening. Stay posted for updates.”
