SPAINEARENDIL-1 Passes
Over Madrid
Predicted pass geometry, viewing conditions, and beam footprint data for Madrid when EARENDIL-1 — the first commercial orbital mirror — launches later in 2026. From 40.4°N at 667m elevation on the central Spanish Meseta, 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 40.4° N, Madrid gets them regularly, though less often than cities nearer the poles. Madrid's position as the highest capital in the EU, combined with its dry continental climate, gives exceptionally reliable autumn and spring viewing conditions. Passes rise in the SW and transit toward the NE.
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 Madrid
What EARENDIL-1 Will Look Like from Madrid
From Madrid, 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 central Madrid. Madrid's dry continental atmosphere and elevated position give it slightly clearer viewing conditions than coastal European cities like Paris or London. Madrid sits at a similar latitude to New York and Beijing.
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 Madrid at Launch
OrbitalNodes.ai will provide real-time pass predictions for Madrid 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 — Madrid
How bright will EARENDIL-1 appear from Madrid?
At peak overhead passes, EARENDIL-1 is designed to reach magnitude −4 — comparable to Venus at maximum brightness. It is easily visible from Retiro Park, Temple of Debod, Plaza Mayor, or any elevated central Madrid location despite Bortle 8 urban light pollution. Madrid's 667m elevation provides slightly thinner atmosphere than coastal European cities, enhancing apparent brightness marginally. Between commercial illumination passes, Reflect Orbital tilts the mirror away from Earth, reducing brightness significantly.
How high will EARENDIL-1 appear from Madrid?
From 40.4°N on the central Spanish Meseta, 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 40.4° N, Madrid gets them regularly, though less often than cities nearer the poles. Passes rise in the SW and transit toward the NE — the standard direction for northern-hemisphere observers of near-polar satellites. Madrid's latitude is comparable to New York, Rome, and Beijing. Higher elevation passes give a longer viewing window and brighter appearance.
When is the best time to see it from Madrid?
September–October and April–May offer Madrid's most reliable viewing — stable continental weather with crisp dry air and mild temperatures. Summer (July–August) is exceptionally clear but punishingly hot (daily highs often over 35°C). Winter brings occasional fog and cold, but many clear nights with excellent transparency after frontal passages.
Will the beam footprint hit Madrid?
A 5km beam footprint could span from the Royal Palace to Retiro Park and onto the Salamanca district in a single pass — covering virtually all of central Madrid's major historical and cultural landmarks. Alternatively, a beam over the Paseo del Prado could illuminate the Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía simultaneously — Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, among the world's great concentrations of painting. A pass targeting Estadio Santiago Bernabéu would carry visual weight given the stadium's status as one of world football's most iconic venues. Whether any specific location falls in the footprint depends on Reflect Orbital's commercial contracts and targeting decisions.
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 Madrid than from other cities?
From the Northern Hemisphere at 40.4°N, EARENDIL-1 rises in the SW and transits NE — the standard direction for northern observers of near-polar satellites. Southern Hemisphere observers in Sydney, São Paulo, or Cape Town see the mirror image of this pass, with the satellite rising in the NW and transiting NE. Madrid's latitude is similar to New York, Rome, and Beijing, so pass geometry is comparable across these cities.
How does Madrid's position as the EU's highest capital affect viewing?
Madrid sits at 667m elevation on the central Spanish Meseta — the highest capital city in the European Union. The slightly thinner atmosphere reduces atmospheric extinction modestly compared to sea-level cities (approximately 0.05–0.1 magnitudes). Combined with Spain's dry continental climate and the Sierra de Guadarrama immediately north providing a darker seaward equivalent for northern passes, Madrid offers some of Europe's most reliable urban viewing conditions. The city's distance from industrial haze corridors and its infrequent humidity also enhance transparency.
What dark-sky locations near Madrid 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 Madrid in real time — including exact pass times, directions, and brightness predictions.
→ SATELLITES OVER MADRID — ORBITALNODES.AI