SKY · IDENTIFY · USA
What's That in the Sky Over Washington, D.C.?
See a bright “star,” a steady glowing point, or something you can't place over Washington, D.C.? Pick the direction you're facing and we'll name the brightest objects that way right now — computed live for Washington, D.C.'s coordinates (38.9°, -77.0°).
A point of light that drifts steadily across the sky in a minute or two — not twinkling, no flashing lights — is a satellite (often the ISS or a Starlink train). A blinking light moving in a straight line is an aircraft. The objects above don't move noticeably over a few minutes.
The list is ordered brightest-first and updates through the night. A planet shines with a steady light; a star twinkles; a point that drifts across the sky in a minute or two is a satellite. Best viewing is once the sky is fully dark — check our stargazing conditions for Washington, D.C..