How to see stars from the ISS
Frank, our astronaut, explains that one day (or rather night), he went to the Soyuz capsule to have a look outside. That's when he could see stars, and only then!
The other windows are either pointed towards Earth, or in a far too much illuminated module.
The Soyuz can be left in complete darkness and it points towards the Earth.
Looking from the small Soyuz window, one doesn't look downwards but sidewise.
Besides, the Soyuz is a discreet place and perhaps more silent than the active modules.
Funny that one of the smallest windows is the one that can show stars.
Raoul