When can you see the ISS over Portland?
ISS over Portland: Next Pass 19:29 (SW→ENE) at 64.3° for about 10 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible ISS pass over Portland. The International Space Station will be visible from Portland starting at 19:29.
The best opportunity in the next 36 hours is 2026-03-15 19:29. It will be a bright, high pass (68° elevation). (Twilight pass with very high elevation but cloud cover may interfere.) There are 3 visible passes predicted in total.
Updated: 05:27 · Night of 2026-03-14 (local) · Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
Local Viewing Conditions
Urban / Inner City
Intense light pollution.
Stars to look for this month
Look high overhead for the Big Dipper and Leo.
- Leo
- Cancer
- Gemini
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
Next visible pass
Look up at 2026-03-15 19:29
Moves SW → ENE. Peaks at 68°.
Forecast cloud cover: 100%.
Viewing tips
Starts at 2026-03-15 19:29. Appears SW (232°) and moves toward NE (63°). Peaks at 68° (high in the sky).
Forecast warns of 100% cloud cover, so it might be hard to spot.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:29 | Twilight | 64.3° | 10 min |
100%
20:00
|
0 mm |
| 21:06 | Night | 34.0° | 10 min |
100%
21:00
|
0 mm |
| 22:43 | Night | 28.9° | 10 min |
100%
23:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next ISS pass
Applies to: 19:29 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19:29 NEXT | SW (233°) | 64.3° | ENE (63°) |
| 21:06 | W (269°) | 34.0° | ENE (64°) |
| 22:43 | WNW (292°) | 28.9° | E (82°) |
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
It is the third brightest object in the sky, after the Sun and Moon.
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before pass time with a clear horizon and minimal direct glare.