In a breathtaking moment for skywatchers in the capital, the International Space Station (ISS) was seen soaring across the pre-dawn sky over Delhi at 5:42 AM on Tuesday. Among those currently aboard the orbiting laboratory is Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, making the sighting especially meaningful for viewers in India.
The luminous streak of the ISS was captured in high clarity from Delhi’s Sainik Farms using an iPhone 16, showing the fast-moving spacecraft as a bright object crossing the early morning sky. Traveling at 28,000 km/h at an altitude of about 400 kilometres, the ISS completes an orbit of the Earth every 90 minutes, making it visible from various parts of the world at specific times.
Although Captain Shukla himself isn’t visible from Earth, the ISS he temporarily calls home can be easily spotted with the naked eye when conditions are right. Appearing as a steadily gliding point of light without blinking signals, the ISS is often seen shortly before sunrise or just after sunset, when sunlight reflects off its solar panels.
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Group Captain Shukla, who is part of India’s growing presence in space exploration, has sent warm greetings to fellow Indians from orbit. He invited citizens to follow his mission and witness the marvel of human achievement as the ISS continues its path above the Indian subcontinent in the days to come.
To make the most of the viewing opportunities, sky enthusiasts can use tools like NASA’s “Spot the Station” app or the ISS Detector app to track upcoming flyovers. Ideal viewing conditions include clear skies and minimal light pollution, preferably during dawn or dusk.
The ISS, a beacon of international collaboration and scientific advancement, has been circling Earth for over 20 years. Its repeated passes over India offer a rare chance for the public to visually connect with one of their own in space and be inspired by the wonders of space exploration.
