International Space Station Glides Over Delhi with Indian Astronaut Aboard
Skywatchers in the capital were treated to a remarkable sight early Tuesday morning as the International Space Station (ISS) traversed the pre-dawn sky over Delhi at precisely 5:42 AM. This event held special significance for viewers in India, as Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is currently aboard the orbiting laboratory.
The ISS was vividly captured from Delhi’s Sainik Farms using an iPhone 16, showing the bright object streaking across the early morning sky. The station, which travels at a speed of 28,000 km/h and orbits Earth at an altitude of around 400 kilometers, completes a full orbit every 90 minutes, allowing it to be seen from various global locations at specific times.
While Captain Shukla himself cannot be seen from Earth, the ISS, which he temporarily calls home, is visible to the naked eye under the right conditions. The station appears as a steadily moving point of light without the blinking signals characteristic of aircraft and is often sighted shortly before sunrise or after sunset when sunlight reflects off its solar panels.
Group Captain Shukla is contributing to India’s growing role in space exploration and has extended warm greetings to citizens from orbit. He encouraged Indians to follow his mission and witness the marvel of human achievement as the ISS continues its journey above the Indian subcontinent.
Sky enthusiasts looking to catch the ISS can utilize tools like NASA’s “Spot the Station” app or the ISS Detector app to track upcoming flyovers. Optimal viewing conditions include clear skies and low light pollution, ideally during dawn or dusk.
The ISS, a symbol of international cooperation and scientific progress, has been orbiting Earth for over two decades. Its frequent passes over India provide a unique opportunity for the public to connect visually with a fellow Indian in space and draw inspiration from the wonders of space exploration.
