how far can we see the internatinal space station?

Question

the space station can be seen with the naked eyes, but how close or far it has to pass for us to see it in the horizon?

Answer 1

The space station, like most satellites, can be seen at night as it crosses the night sky if it is reflecting the sun's light. Most satellites, including the ISS, orbit near the equator, so go out to a very dark place on a new moon night and face the southern sky (assuming you are in the northern hemisphere, of course). Pay attention and you'll see several satellites moving across the sky (in both directions!!).

They aren't anything special, however, and really look more like really high flying planes...

Answer 2

I can usually pick it up visually about 90 minutes after sunset or before sunrise when it's passing near by. Probably about 900 miles away . Here's the link to tracking it:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/tracking/index.html

The closer it is to passing directly over head , the brighter it will appear. Looks like a very bright star. Can't miss it if your timing is right.

Answer 3

It is not the distance . Look for it about 1 hour to 3 hour after sunset . It could bee that away just before sun rise but have not got up at that hour.