A communications satellite will put on a good imitation of an exploding star tonight over Honolulu.

The spectacular show, weather permitting, begins at 8:35 p.m. in the southeastern sky near two stars cherished by Hawaiian navigators.

The Iridium-10 satellite will pass overhead, reflecting the rays of the sun — already set — down to Honolulu. The Iridium fleet has huge mirrors, so the resulting flare tonight will be brighter than anything in the sky. The moon will not yet have risen.

The sudden flash, fading in seconds, will appear about halfway up the sky, below and to the right of the bright star Arcturus, also known as Hokule‘a. It will also be below and to the left of Jupiter and the bright star Spica, known as Hikianalia.

Hokule‘a can be found by following the curve of the handle of the Big Dipper. Following the same curve leads to Hikianalia.

Jupiter shines at what is known as magnitude minus 2.7. Iridium-10 will be many times brighter at minus 8.