Track the International Space Station With This Interactive Map

Want to see the International Space Station? The third brightest object in the sky is now easier to spot than ever, thanks to NASA's new interactive map. Read on.

Its the third brightest object in the sky, and easily spotted by the naked eye. NASAs International Space Station may be orbiting 200 miles above the Earth, but it can still be seen from your house. Of course, it helps to know where to look.

This week, NASA launched an interactive map tool, called Spot the Station, to help you track the orbiting space lab. By entering your location, the map will populate blue pins to identify the best places for viewing within a 50-mile radius.

If youre based in New York City, for example, you can spot the International Space Station on Staten Island for five minutes at 6:55 a.m. on Saturday. It will be visible 10 degrees above the North/North East horizon, before disappearing from sight. Catch it again on Sunday, at 5:06 a.m.

According to a statement from NASA, the International Space Station passes over more than 90 percent of Earths population. If youre interested in looking up at the astronauts, opt in for notifications. Just note that you probably wont see much from your Brooklyn rooftop.

The farther away from light pollution you get, the greater your chances are of a sighting. NASA also notes the International Space Station is best seen at dusk or dawnit may appear like a fast-moving airplane (think: 17,500 miles per hour) with no blinking lights, and no contrail.

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