Scientist Chrisphin Karthick shares a screengrab from the ISS Detector app.
Credit: Special Arrangement
The International Space Station (ISS), currently carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, can be seen flying over India with the naked eye until July 12. It appears as a small white dot moving steadily across the sky. The sightings last a maximum of 5-6 minutes.
Metrolife spoke to scientist Chrisphin Karthick, who is involved with science communication and public outreach at Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and Ullas D G, founder of science outreach startup Above Zenith, for viewing tips.
Recommended app: Both Karthick and Ullas recommend the ISS Detector app, available on Android and iOS. It provides precise details, including the exact time of visibility, direction of movement, and how bright the ISS will appear from earth. The visibility is expected to be good this evening and on Saturday morning. The ISS will be bright enough on all these days to be seen from both city centres and outskirts, as long as there’s an unobstructed view, says Karthick.
Timings: According to Karthick, on July 9, the ISS will be visible in the evening sky from 7.08 to 7.14 pm. On the following days, it is expected to appear as follows: 5.01 to 5.07 am on July 10; 4.13 to 4.18 am and 7.09 to 7.11 pm on July 11; and 5.01 to 5.06 am on July 12.
Photography tips: Ullas says photographing the ISS is challenging for two reasons - it moves very fast, and the sky is often cloudy during the monsoon. However, people can click a still using a DSLR or high-resolution camera, or record a video and then extract a screengrab from it. “You won’t get details, just a white dot streaking across the sky,” he shares.
Next window of viewing: The ISS will next be visible over Indian skies from July 31 to August 6, says Karthick.