On July 8, at exactly 5:42 AM IST, the International Space Station (ISS) made a striking appearance in the pre-dawn sky over Delhi, leaving early risers in awe. The station was clearly visible as it moved swiftly across the horizon, and a sharp image of the moment was captured using an iPhone 16 from Sainik Farms. The ISS shone like a bright star, gliding steadily through the quiet morning sky.
As per a media report, Orbiting Earth at an altitude of about 400 kilometres and moving at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour, the ISS completes one full circle around the planet roughly every 90 minutes. It is visible to the naked eye under clear conditions and continues to fascinate skywatchers around the world. Currently aboard the orbiting lab is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, representing India in this incredible example of human innovation and international teamwork in space.
In the coming days, the International Space Station (ISS) — now serving as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s temporary home — will make several passes over Indian skies. While Captain Shukla himself won’t be visible, the ISS carrying him will appear as a bright, fast-moving object, giving observers a chance to spot his orbiting residence from Earth.
From space, Captain Shukla has warmly encouraged his fellow Indians to stay connected with his journey. If you’re eager to catch a glimpse of the ISS, tools like NASA’s “Spot the Station” app and the ISS Detector app make it easy to track its movements and plan your viewing.
Orbiting Earth for over 20 years, the ISS stands as a powerful symbol of international collaboration and human achievement in space exploration. Traveling at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour, it completes a full orbit every 90 minutes—allowing astronauts aboard to witness 16 sunrises and sunsets each day.
The ISS shines steadily as it reflects sunlight, unlike aircraft which flash blinking lights. The best time to see it is just before sunrise or just after sunset, when the station is illuminated by the sun but the sky is still dark enough for it to stand out.
To improve your chances of spotting the ISS:
- Use NASA’s “Spot the Station” or the ISS Detector app for real-time tracking
- Check for upcoming passes in your area and hope for clear skies
- Watch during dawn or dusk for best visibility
- Choose a location with low light pollution for a clearer view