LowEarth

GPS IIF-1 over Washington tonight

Pass predictions for Washington, DC.

Next visible pass
Thu, Sep 10, 4:00 AM
Peak elevation 29.64° · rises NW · sets SW
Tracking: GPS BIIF-1 (PRN 25) (NORAD 36585)

7-day pass forecast

DateTimePeak elevRisesSets
Sep 104:00 AM29.64°NWSW
Sep 1012:19 PM45.93°SENE
Sep 113:56 AM29.65°NWSW
Sep 1112:15 PM45.93°SENE
Sep 123:52 AM29.66°NWSW
Sep 1212:11 PM45.92°SENE
Sep 133:48 AM29.66°NWSW

How to spot GPS IIF-1 from Washington

GPS navigation satellite in MEO at ~20,200 km — visible with binoculars in the right window.

  • Look in the direction listed — passes start near the horizon and arc across the sky.
  • Peak elevation matters — a 60°+ peak means it'll go nearly overhead; under 30° stays low.
  • Best viewing is in the 90 minutes after sunset or before sunrise — the satellite is sunlit while you're in shadow.
  • No equipment needed for bright passes — the ISS at peak rivals Venus.

Going to look up?

For fainter satellites you'll want 7×50 or 10×50 binoculars. A pair of Celestron SkyMaster binoculars is the consensus pick. Affiliate placement — replace with your affiliate link.

Pass alerts on your phone

Browser push, no email needed. We'll notify you 30 minutes before GPS IIF-1 is visible from Washington.

Prefer email?

One email tonight before GPS IIF-1 is visible, never more than 2/week.