NEW ZEALANDEARENDIL-1 Passes
Over Auckland
Predicted pass geometry, viewing conditions, and beam footprint data for Auckland when EARENDIL-1 — the first commercial orbital mirror — launches later in 2026. From 36.85°S on the North Island's narrow isthmus, EARENDIL-1 can pass directly overhead: an 88° orbit crosses every populated latitude, so the ceiling is the zenith rather than a fixed angle. What differs is how often — at 36.9° S, Auckland gets them regularly, though less often than cities nearer the poles. Passes rise in the NW and transit toward the NE, opposite to the direction seen from northern-hemisphere observers. Auckland's location between two harbours gives it exceptionally dark seaward viewing horizons.
Predicted geometry for the planned 88° near-polar orbit at 625 km. Eärendil-1 has not launched, so these are modelled figures, not observations — and because the orbit is not sun-synchronous, pass times drift through the year rather than recurring at a fixed hour.
Best: APR–OCT. Southern winter — long nights and the driest, steadiest air of the year.
Seasonal guidance only — based on this location’s latitude and climate, not on Eärendil-1 observations. The mirror has not launched, and because its orbit is not sun-synchronous the pass times themselves drift through the year independently of the weather.
What to Expect in Auckland
What EARENDIL-1 Will Look Like from Auckland
From Auckland, EARENDIL-1 passes will appear as a fast-moving point of light crossing the sky in approximately 3–4 minutes. At peak brightness it will reach magnitude −4 — comparable to Venus at maximum and clearly visible even from the CBD. It will be one of the brightest objects in the Auckland sky during a pass, often visible against the distinctive volcanic cone silhouettes of Mt Eden, One Tree Hill, or Rangitoto.
The mirror is steerable — between targeted commercial passes, Reflect Orbital tilts it away from Earth, making it much dimmer or invisible. During an active commercial pass you'll see a sudden brightening as the beam angle locks onto the target region. The pass ends abruptly when the mirror tilts away again.
Unlike a steady satellite, EARENDIL-1 may show subtle brightness variations as the mirror adjusts its aim. Watch for a brief period of maximum brightness near the peak of the pass when the geometry is optimal — this is when the 5km ground footprint is directly beneath the mirror at closest approach.
Track EARENDIL-1 from Auckland at Launch
OrbitalNodes.ai will provide real-time pass predictions for Auckland from the moment EARENDIL-1's orbital data is published. No app download required — runs entirely in your browser with GPS-accurate directions.
◈ OPEN ORBITALNODES.AISpace Mirror Questions — Auckland
How bright will EARENDIL-1 appear from Auckland?
At peak overhead passes, EARENDIL-1 is designed to reach magnitude −4 — comparable to Venus at maximum brightness and clearly visible from anywhere in Auckland regardless of light pollution. The Sky Tower observation deck, Mt Eden summit, or any elevated suburb works well for urban viewing. Between commercial passes, Reflect Orbital tilts the mirror away from Earth, reducing brightness significantly.
How high will EARENDIL-1 appear from Auckland?
From 36.85°S on New Zealand's North Island, EARENDIL-1 can pass directly overhead: an 88° orbit crosses every populated latitude, so the ceiling is the zenith rather than a fixed angle. What differs is how often — at 36.9° S, Auckland gets them regularly, though less often than cities nearer the poles. Passes rise in the NW and transit toward the NE, opposite to the direction seen from northern-hemisphere observers. Higher elevation passes give a longer viewing window and brighter appearance. Auckland's latitude is similar to Sydney's (33.9°S), so pass geometry is comparable though slightly lower peak elevation.
When is the best time to see it from Auckland?
December through March is peak viewing — summer brings the most stable conditions with long twilight and frequent clear nights. Autumn and spring are reliably clear with settled weather. Winter delivers frontal storms from the Tasman Sea but still provides many viewing nights. Auckland's maritime climate means any given week usually has multiple clear evenings.
Will the beam footprint hit Auckland?
A 5km beam footprint could span from the Auckland CBD to Devonport in a single pass, or potentially cover the entire Waitemata Harbour approach. A pass aimed at Rangitoto Island would illuminate the iconic volcanic cone. Alternatively, a beam over the isthmus could reach from Mt Eden to the waterfront. Whether any specific location falls in the footprint depends on Reflect Orbital's commercial contracts and targeting decisions. The beam is steerable and can be directed to specific cities or regions for commercial lighting purposes.
Is EARENDIL-1 visible yet?
No — EARENDIL-1 has not launched yet. Reflect Orbital is targeting a launch later in 2026. There is currently no space mirror in Earth orbit. OrbitalSolar.ai will update with live pass data from the moment orbital elements are published after launch. Check the mission tracker for current launch status.
Why does the mirror move differently from Auckland than from other cities?
From the Southern Hemisphere at 36.85°S, EARENDIL-1 rises in the NW and transits toward the NE — opposite to the direction seen from northern cities. This is because Auckland is south of the equator, so near-polar satellites approach from the polar direction opposite to northern observers. Pass geometry is similar to what observers in Sydney or Melbourne see.
How does Auckland's isthmus and volcanic geography interact with the 5km beam?
Auckland sits on a narrow isthmus only 6km wide at its narrowest, between Waitemata Harbour to the NE and Manukau Harbour to the SW. A 5km beam footprint could potentially span coast to coast in a single pass. A pass targeting Rangitoto Island (volcanic cone 8km from CBD) would illuminate a volcanic landscape surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf — a globally distinctive sight. Auckland's volcanic field (50+ cones including Mt Eden, One Tree Hill) adds further visual uniqueness for observers watching the beam sweep across the landscape.
What dark-sky locations near Auckland are best for watching the mirror pass?
The Blue Mountains (90 minutes west, Bortle 3–4) give the clearest sky with minimal light dome interference. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (45 minutes north) is excellent for clear northern passes. Royal National Park (45 minutes south) has a clear southern horizon. For serious observation, Observatory Hill in the CBD works for the bright mirror itself — at magnitude −4 it needs no dark sky — but the Blue Mountains are far better for seeing the beam footprint effect against a dark sky backdrop.
OrbitalNodes.ai tracks the ISS, Tiangong, Hubble, and all satellites over Auckland in real time — including exact pass times, directions, and brightness predictions.
→ SATELLITES OVER AUCKLAND — ORBITALNODES.AI