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Early risers across North America and Europe may spot something unusual in the sky this Christmas. A bright, silent light will glide smoothly overhead just before sunrise on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. It won’t blink or leave a trail, and for a few quiet minutes, it may spark a little holiday wonder.
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What will people see in the Christmas sky?
In the early hours before sunrise on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a bright point of light will appear suddenly in the sky, move steadily overhead, and then fade away minutes later. It will be silent, smooth, and noticeably different from airplanes, which blink and leave trails.
To young, eager eyes already awake and brimming with excitement, it might look like something “or someone” quietly moving through the dawn sky. The timing is no coincidence. The flyby matches a well-known object passing overhead during these early-morning hours, as per a report by Space.com.
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Why is the International Space Station so bright?
This Christmas, the International Space Station is perfectly positioned to reflect sunlight back toward Earth during its pre-dawn passes. As it orbits the planet every 90 minutes, sunlight catches the station’s large structure, briefly turning it into one of the brightest objects in the sky.
The result is a short but striking display that can be seen with the naked eye. No telescope or binoculars are needed, just a clear view of the sky and a little patience, as per a report by Space.com.
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When is the best time to look up?
Viewing times vary by city, but several major locations will get clear opportunities, as per a report by Space.com.
According to data gathered from AstroViewer.net, these are some of the best times to look up over major cities, weather permitting.
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Best Times to Look Up
New York
Dec. 24: 6:43–6:48 a.m. EST (≈5 minutes, max altitude 19°)
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Dec. 25: 5:56–5:59 a.m. EST (≈3 minutes, max altitude 16°)
Chicago
Dec. 24: 5:42–5:45 a.m. CST (≈3 minutes, max altitude 16°)
Dec. 25: 6:29–6:35 a.m. CST (≈6 minutes, max altitude 26°)
Toronto
Dec. 24: 6:42–6:47 a.m. EST (≈5 minutes, max altitude 25°)
Dec. 25: 7:30–7:35 a.m. EST (≈5 minutes, max altitude 56°)
London
Dec. 24: 7:04–7:10 a.m. GMT (≈6 minutes, max altitude 55°)
Dec. 25: 6:17–6:22 a.m. GMT (≈5 minutes, max altitude 70°)
Rome
Dec. 25: 7:19–7:22 a.m. CET (≈3 minutes, max altitude 35°)
Weather permitting, stepping outside with an unobstructed view of the sky is all it takes to catch the moment.
For those who want to quietly confirm what they’ve seen or track future passes, NASA’s Spot the Station service shows when the space station will pass overhead from any location.
FAQs
Will the flyby blink or make noise?
No. It appears as a steady, silent light moving smoothly across the sky.
Do I need special equipment to see it?
No. The International Space Station is visible with the naked eye.
