UKEARENDIL-1 Passes
Over London
Predicted pass geometry, viewing conditions, and beam footprint data for London when EARENDIL-1 — the first commercial orbital mirror — launches later in 2026. At 51.5°N, EARENDIL-1 will pass nearly overhead on optimal passes — an 88° orbit crosses this latitude, so the mirror can reach the zenith.
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: OCT–MAR. Northern winter — long dark nights and the most reliable clear spells.
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 London
What EARENDIL-1 Will Look Like from London
From London, 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 light-polluted city centre. It will be one of the brightest objects in the sky during a pass.
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 London at Launch
OrbitalNodes.ai will provide real-time pass predictions for London 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 — London
How bright will EARENDIL-1 appear from London?
At peak overhead passes, EARENDIL-1 is designed to reach magnitude −4 — comparable to Venus at maximum brightness and clearly visible from anywhere in London regardless of light pollution. This makes it one of the most conspicuous objects in the sky during a pass. Between commercial illumination passes, Reflect Orbital will tilt the mirror away from Earth, reducing brightness significantly.
How high will EARENDIL-1 appear from London?
At 51.5°N, EARENDIL-1 will pass nearly overhead on optimal passes — an 88° orbit crosses this latitude, so the mirror can reach the zenith. This means the full 5km ground footprint beam is possible directly over central London. The exact elevation varies pass by pass depending on the orbital geometry. Higher elevation passes give a longer viewing window and brighter appearance as the mirror is closer to the observer.
When is the best time to see it from London?
March–May and September–October. Summer solstice brings near-perpetual twilight making June largely unsuitable. Autumn is ideal — long dark evenings and frequent clear nights. London's high latitude means summer twilight barely ends near the solstice, so spring and autumn offer the best combination of dark skies and favourable pass geometry.
Will the beam footprint hit London?
A 5km footprint beam could illuminate an area from Trafalgar Square to Canary Wharf in a single pass. At full brightness, observers inside the beam would experience a soft glow comparable to a bright full moon illuminating the streets. Whether any specific location falls in the footprint depends on Reflect Orbital's commercial contracts and targeting decisions. The beam is steerable so it 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 London get particularly high EARENDIL-1 passes?
EARENDIL-1 will orbit in an 88° near-polar orbit around 625km altitude — passing over London at The mirror can pass directly overhead from here. This is because London's latitude of 51.5°N closely matches the orbital inclination. The same geometry that makes London excellent for ISS viewing also applies to EARENDIL-1. Near-overhead passes are longer, brighter, and give the full 5km beam footprint the best chance of targeting central London.
Why is summer the worst time to see EARENDIL-1 from London?
At 51°N, astronomical twilight persists all night between mid-May and late July — the Sun never drops far enough below the horizon to create true darkness. EARENDIL-1 requires you to be in darkness while the mirror is in sunlight. In summer London, both conditions can't be met simultaneously. September through March are the prime months when proper darkness arrives within 60–90 minutes of sunset.
What's the commercial case for a London beam pass?
London is one of the most commercially attractive targets globally — 9 million people, major financial and entertainment industries, and extreme light pollution meaning any additional illumination is noticeable. A beam pass during a major outdoor event at Hyde Park, Wembley, or along the Thames could reach hundreds of thousands of people simultaneously. Reflect Orbital has specifically mentioned European cities as early commercial targets.
OrbitalNodes.ai tracks the ISS, Tiangong, Hubble, and all satellites over London in real time — including exact pass times, directions, and brightness predictions.
→ SATELLITES OVER LONDON — ORBITALNODES.AI