Eyes to the Skies: India Celebrates as Its Star Astronaut Circles Home

Millions of Indians are getting ready for a one-in-a-lifetime cosmic event tonight as the International Space Station (ISS), which has Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla onboard, passes through the night sky. Not only is the flyby spectacular—it's also a night of national pride as Shukla, India's first-ever astronaut to travel to the ISS, orbits over his country.

 

Key Highlights

 

When & Where to Watch:

The ISS will be seen in India this evening as a fast-moving, white bright spot. To catch the best glimpse, step outside between 7:59 PM and 8:05 PM and look southwest, especially if you happen to be in Gujarat. The station will be passing northeast, visible for a couple of minutes.

 

No Telescope Needed

You can spot the ISS with your naked eye—no binoculars necessary. It won't blink like an airplane, but will steadily glow as it crosses the sky.

 

Historic Mission:

Shubhanshu Shukla is on a 14-day mission aboard the ISS, conducting seven India-specific experiments. His flight is a historic first for India's human space program and the Gaganyaan mission.

 

How to Track in Real Time: Use free apps like NASA's "Spot the Station" or "ISS Detector" for live observation, AR mode, and viewing alert notification from your location. The apps help you simply know when and where to observe.

 

A Shared Moment:

Indians are encouraged to step out, wave at the clouds, and identify with Shukla's journey. Prime Minister Modi's message to Shukla—"You are farthest from your motherland, but closest to the hearts of Indians"—finds resonance in the nation's pride.

 

Watch LIV Some websites, including news websites and social networking websites, are webcasting the flyover and providing live updates and photos of the ISS. 

 

Source: India Today, NDTV, Economic Times, News18, Times of India