EARENDIL-1 Passes
Over Los Angeles
Predicted pass geometry, viewing conditions, and beam footprint data for Los Angeles when EARENDIL-1 — the first commercial orbital mirror — launches in mid-2026. At 34.1°N, EARENDIL-1 reaches moderate to good elevations — up to 65°.
What to Expect in Los Angeles
What EARENDIL-1 Will Look Like from Los Angeles
From Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles at Launch
OrbitalNodes.ai will provide real-time pass predictions for Los Angeles 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 — Los Angeles
How bright will EARENDIL-1 appear from Los Angeles?
At peak overhead passes, EARENDIL-1 is designed to reach magnitude ~−4 — comparable to Venus at maximum brightness and clearly visible from anywhere in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
From 34.1°N, EARENDIL-1 reaches moderate to good elevations — up to 65°. LA's typically clear skies and dry air make it one of the best major cities for observing the mirror. 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 Los Angeles?
Late autumn through spring. LA's low rainfall and clear skies are a major advantage. Santa Ana wind events in autumn bring exceptional transparency — some of the clearest air of any major city. Long summer twilight extends to around 22:30 PDT in June, so passes before midnight in spring and autumn offer the best viewing window — both mirror and sky are in optimal geometry.
Will the beam footprint hit Los Angeles?
The 5km footprint could illuminate areas from Santa Monica to Hollywood in a targeted commercial pass. The dry LA air would give particularly sharp beam edges compared to more humid cities. 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 mid-2026 launch. 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 is LA especially relevant to the space mirror commercial case?
Los Angeles is surrounded by California's massive solar energy infrastructure. The Mojave Desert within 200km of LA contains some of the world's largest solar farms — Ivanpah, Desert Sunlight, Genesis Solar — which are exactly the type of installation Reflect Orbital has described as primary commercial targets. A demonstration pass over the LA basin would be visible to millions and directly adjacent to the solar farm customers Reflect Orbital needs to sign. LA is both the audience and the commercial market in one.
How does the marine layer affect EARENDIL-1 visibility from LA?
The marine layer (low coastal fog) affects the western half of the LA basin May through September, typically clearing by 10–11am. Evening satellite passes during this season are often blocked from the coast but visible from inland areas like Pasadena, Burbank, and the San Gabriel Valley. Santa Ana wind conditions (offshore winds, typically October–December) produce the clearest air of the year — these are the best nights for any kind of sky watching from LA.
What are the best dark-sky spots near LA for mirror viewing?
Griffith Observatory gives clear all-round views above the LA basin haze — excellent for the bright mirror itself. Angeles Crest Highway (50 minutes north into the San Gabriel Mountains) reaches Bortle 5 skies quickly. Malibu's Point Dume offers a clear Pacific horizon for westward-tracking passes. For serious observations, Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 hours east) reaches Bortle 3 with some of the darkest skies accessible from LA without significant travel.
OrbitalNodes.ai tracks the ISS, Tiangong, Hubble, and all satellites over Los Angeles in real time — including exact pass times, directions, and brightness predictions.
→ SATELLITES OVER LOS ANGELES — ORBITALNODES.AI