// SPACE.COM — SPAZIO & SCIENZA
China's secretive space plane is flying over the US this week — here's how to see it for yourself
Early risers across the U.S. could catch a glimpse of China's mysterious Shenlong spacecraft with the naked eye.
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China's secretive space plane is making a series of passes over the United States in the coming days and you could spot it with your own eyes!
The mysterious spacecraft, Shenlong, is currently orbiting Earth on its fourth mission. Although we don't know what it's up to, China's space agency has said it is testing technologies that "will pave the way for more convenient and affordable round-trip methods for the peaceful use of space in the future."
Under favorable conditions, Shenlong is bright enough to spot with the naked eye, according to Spaceweather.com. But you'll need to set your alarm early, as some of the best viewing opportunities are in the predawn sky.
According to satellite-tracking website Heavens-Above, skywatchers across the U.S. have several opportunities to spot Shenlong between Oct. 30 and early November, weather permitting.
Here are some of the most promising high-altitude passes for four major U.S. cities. All times are local, with the end of daylight saving time on Nov. 1 taken into account. Times are approximate and may change. Maximum elevation refers to the spacecraft's highest angle above the horizon, with 90° being directly overhead.
If clouds get in the way (or you forget to set your alarm), don't worry! There are several other opportunities over the coming days.
These predictions are specific to each city, so your exact viewing times will depend on your viewing location.
To find out when Shenlong will pass over your location, head to Heavens-Above, enter your location (in the top right corner of the page), then on the homepage look for "satellite database" under the satellites subheader. And search for "PRC TEST SPACECRAFT 4".