When can you see the ISS over Acton?
ISS over Acton: Next Pass 21:58 (WSW→E) at 75.2° for about 10 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible ISS pass over Acton. The International Space Station will be visible from Acton starting at 21:58.
The best opportunity in the next 36 hours is 2026-07-12 23:35. It will be a bright, high pass (87° elevation). (Night pass with very high elevation and low cloud cover.) There are 7 visible passes predicted in total.
Updated: 06:18 · Night of 2026-07-12 (local) · Timezone: Europe/London
Local Viewing Conditions
Rural / Semi-Rural
Decent darkness with some light domes.
Stars to look for this month
Look high in the sky after midnight for the Summer Triangle.
- Cygnus
- Aquila
- Sagitta
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Next visible pass
Look up at 2026-07-12 23:35
Moves W → E. Peaks at 87°.
Forecast cloud cover: 8%.
Viewing tips
Starts at 2026-07-12 23:35. Appears W (276°) and moves toward E (98°). Peaks at 87° (almost directly overhead).
This is an exceptionally long pass—enjoy the view!
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:58 | Twilight | 75.2° | 10 min |
0%
22:00
|
0 mm |
| 23:35 | Night | 75.8° | 10 min |
0%
00:00
|
0 mm |
| 01:12 | Night | 39.8° | 10 min |
2%
01:00
|
0 mm |
| 02:49 | Night | 10.1° | 8 min |
2%
03:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next ISS pass
Applies to: 21:58 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21:58 NEXT | WSW (253°) | 75.2° | E (80°) |
| 23:35 | W (276°) | 75.8° | E (98°) |
| 01:12 | WNW (283°) | 39.8° | SE (129°) |
| 02:49 | W (275°) | 10.1° | S (174°) |
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
The ISS is a partnership between five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA.
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before pass time with a clear horizon and minimal direct glare.