Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Alerts! Questions? Discussions... => Topic started by: david kiely on Oct 04, 2011, 18:25:40

Title: UFO?
Post by: david kiely on Oct 04, 2011, 18:25:40
I am working in Germany at the moment and last night, 3rd Oct, I went out to get some tucker. As I always do, I looked up to  the sky and a perfectly clear night sky, around 20.30 hrs, 19.30 your time, I noticed, what I thought, was a satellite, near Cassiopeia, but it became very bright  and then disappeared. Was the space station around at approx this time? If anyone knows what it was could you please tell. Regards David
Title: Re: UFO?
Post by: Carole on Oct 04, 2011, 20:10:58
Something that matches that description sounds like an Iridium flare, which is a satellite that has solar panels which temporarily catches the light of the sun.  I think there is a website somewhere where you can find out when these are due, but not sure if it records past occurences.  

http://www.heavens-above.com/iridiumhelp.asp

Carole  
Title: Re: UFO?
Post by: david kiely on Oct 04, 2011, 22:06:47
Thanks Carole, seems like the most logical explanation, thanks v much.
Title: Re: UFO?
Post by: AlanE on Oct 06, 2011, 17:23:27
Hi.

The WebSite you want, for passes of Iridium Flares, ISS and other Satellites, is:  www.heavens-above.com

You can log-on, punching-in your Lat(s) and Long(S), for viewing from up to 5(?) locations you regularly visit

All the best

New Member AlanE (Chislehurst)
Title: Re: UFO?
Post by: Mike on Oct 06, 2011, 17:42:20
If you have either an iPhone or an Android phone then there are nice apps that will alert you to passes also.

Title: Re: UFO?
Post by: MarkS on Oct 07, 2011, 06:58:48
Quote from: AlanE
You can log-on, punching-in your Lat(s) and Long(S), for viewing from up to 5(?) locations you regularly visit

I'm already up to 9 stored locations!

Mark
Title: Re: UFO?
Post by: Tony G on Oct 07, 2011, 10:27:04
Does Heavens-Above have the facility to go back and look at previous days satellite passes?

Tony G
Title: Re: UFO?
Post by: Mike on Oct 07, 2011, 11:01:20
Yes, select the SELECT OBSERVATIONS button and enter the date range.