Satellite Passes Tonight — Des Plaines, IL
Live satellite pass predictions for Des Plaines, Illinois. Updated in real time.
Tonight's Visible Passes
Predictions computed at 3:06 PM. Times shown in local time.
Full Pass Predictions
Interactive predictions with weather, viewing conditions, and more satellites.
Tonight
🛰️ Satellite Passes
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Satellite Watching in Des Plaines
Best Viewing Season
Summer (June–August)
Weather Conditions
Lake-effect clouds are common in winter, especially downwind of the Great Lakes. Summer provides the most reliable clear skies. Spring and fall are transitional.
Light Pollution
Des Plaines has a Bortle class of 8 (urban skies — only the brightest satellites visible). The Great Lakes region averages about 85 clear nights per year.
Launch Visibility
Not visible from the Great Lakes region.
Viewing Tips for Des Plaines
Northern Michigan and Wisconsin offer some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. Cherry Springs in PA and Headlands in MI are designated dark sky parks. Get away from the Chicago and Detroit metro light domes.
Best Time to Watch
Check for passes during the first 2 hours after sunset or before sunrise. This is when satellites catch sunlight against a dark sky.
What to Look For
Satellites look like steady, bright stars moving smoothly across the sky. They don't blink like airplanes.