What is Heavens-Above?
Heavens-Above is a long-running satellite tracking site developed by Chris Peat. You set your location and it lists when the International Space Station, Starlink trains and other bright satellites will pass overhead, with the times and direction to look. An optional login saves your settings.
It also has a large astronomy section, with an interactive sky chart, solar eclipses, the sun, moon and planets, comets, asteroids and constellations. Extras include a satellite database, amateur radio satellite passes, the ISS height over time and deep space missions. The design is plain and packed with data, and predictions get less accurate the further from the current date you look.
Main Features
- 10-day predictions for the ISS and other satellites of interest
- Starlink pass predictions from a launch, with a 3D orbit display
- Daily predictions for brighter satellites
- Live sky view and interactive sky chart
- Satellite database with amateur radio passes
- Sun, moon, planet, comet and asteroid pages
- Interface in many languages
- Android app
How to Get Started with Heavens-Above
- Open heavens-above.com in your browser.
- Set your observing location.
- Choose a satellite such as the ISS, or the daily list of brighter satellites.
- Note the time and direction of the next visible pass.
- Go outside a little early and look in that direction.
Heavens-Above Pricing
Heavens-Above is free to use with no paid plan, and login is optional. The site asks for optional donations toward its running costs.
Who Should Use It?
- Skywatchers who want to spot the ISS
- Parents and kids looking for an easy night sky activity
- Amateur radio operators following satellites
- Astronomy students and hobbyists
Heavens-Above Alternatives
- Stellarium Web shows a planetarium view of the night sky in your browser.
- Space Now shows the solar system live in 3D.
- Flightradar24 tracks aircraft on a live map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Heavens-Above free?
Yes. It is free, login is optional and donations are voluntary.
How do I see the ISS?
Set your location, open the ISS predictions and check the time and direction of the next visible pass.
Does Heavens-Above track Starlink?
Yes. It lists passes for all objects from a Starlink launch and has a dynamic 3D orbit display.
Is there an app?
Yes, there is an Android app, and the full site works in a browser.