See the International Space Station (ISS) Using the Predictions

Note the time, Az (azimuth), El (elevation), and visibility columns of
the report. At a given time the satellite's position can be determined
by its azimuth and elevation. Azimuth is the angle relative to true
north (0 or 360 is north, 90 is east, 180 is south, etc.). Elevation is
the angle relative to the horizon (0 is at the horizon, 90 is straight
up). The satellite can be seen when the observer is in darkness and the
satellite is illuminated by the sun. Satellites sometimes fire their
thrusters to offset atmospheric drag. When ISS does this the predictions
might be off by about 5 minutes. I will go outside with a compass about
5 minutes early and trace out the predicted path. I will then
continually watch that area. I have had very good results.

Jeff Stetekluh   (jeff.stetekluh@acm.org)