China's secretive space plane is flying over the US this week — here's how to see it for yourself

The Chinese Shenlong spacecraft, also known as the “Tiangong” spaceplane, is currently in low Earth orbit and expected to pass directly over the United States this week. Astronomers and citizen scientists are encouraging early morning observers to look for the vehicle which has been under wraps since its initial launch in July 2023. The Shenlong’s trajectory will allow several states including California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, and others to potentially witness it during twilight hours. Experts suggest using binoculars or a telescope for optimal viewing conditions, noting that the craft appears as a bright star moving across the sky. This observation event represents a rare opportunity for public engagement with China's advanced aerospace technology.