Hawke's Bay skywatchers may want to make a note on the calendar for this Friday night when an international visitor comes to town.
The international space station is set to make a bright and central cross above the country and, if weather conditions are fine, Bay people will get a good view.
Hawke's Bay astronomer Gary Sparks said the space station, which last made what he called a "brilliant" overhead pass last November, was set to make another eye-catching appearance.
"The space station passes almost directly overhead on Friday evening and it will be very bright," he said.
The pass will begin at 6.39pm from the northwest and the station will be virtually overhead at 6.42pm.
It will remain visible for about another minute before fading away into the southwest as it passes into the Earth's shadow.
Mr Sparks said the magnitude of the station would be -3.4 - "this is about as bright as it gets".
The MetService long-range forecast at this stage is mixed.
Friday is set to begin with rain but may clear by afternoon with gusting winds.
The forecast into Saturday is for fine weather.