Archive · 24 Dec 2025
ISS to Glow Like Santa's Sleigh
This Christmas, you can see the International Space Station (ISS) shining brightly in the sky, like a moving star.
The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes and, when the sunlight hits it just right, it becomes one of the brightest objects in the sky.
You don't need a telescope to see it; just a clear view of the horizon and knowing when to look up.
In cities like New York, Chicago, Toronto, London, and Rome, the ISS will be visible for a few minutes on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.
It's a cool way to celebrate the holidays and see a bit of human achievement in space.
If you're in the right place, you might see the ISS glowing like a festive beacon in the sky.
The International Space Station (ISS) will be visible as a glowing streak on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.
The ISS reflects sunlight, making it one of the brightest objects in the sky, visible without a telescope.
Best viewing times vary by city, with notable passes in New York, Chicago, Toronto, London, and Rome.
The ISS will be visible for a few minutes, reaching high altitudes in some locations.
The event is a seasonal highlight, combining science and holiday wonder.
- Who
- General public in North America and Europe
- What
- International Space Station (ISS) visible as a glowing streak
- When
- December 24 and 25
- Where
- North America and Europe
- Why
- ISS reflects sunlight during early morning passes
- ISS Orbit Time
- 90 minutes
- Best Viewing Times (New York)
- December 24: 6:43-6:48 AM, December 25: 5:56-5:59 AM
- Best Viewing Times (Chicago)
- December 24: Short passes, December 25: 6-minute flyby
- Best Viewing Times (Toronto)
- December 25: 56 degrees above horizon
- Best Viewing Times (London)
- December 25: 70 degrees altitude
- Best Viewing Times (Rome)
- December 25: Brief pass
- Data Source
- AstroViewer.net
- Regions with Visibility
- North America and Europe