Good afternoon everyone, I am just new to the list. My main interest is comet-hunting, but in the process of my observations I often come across satellites which appear unusual (to me), either for variations or absolute brightness. I am checked into Heavens Above and make most identifications without problem. Occasionally, as happened this morning, I am unable to identify the object. Observing site: Huirangi Cemetery, Taranaki, New Zealand. Lat -39.05, Long 174.27 East Time: 0335 am New Zealand Daylight Saving = 14:35 UT 12 January Very bright satellite (approx mag -3) passed between Alpha and Beta Centauri moving NNW. Altitude approximately 35 degrees, in the South East. Rate of motion approx 1 degree in about 4 seconds. It had all the hallmarks of an Iridium flare. It was starting to fade when I first noticed it. Faded rapidly to about 3rd magnitude and stayed at that brightness for a further minute at least before dropping rapidly from sight. Heavens Above gave no prediction for this object either in the Iridium flares list or in the general satellite list. If anyone can help with identifying this object I would be grateful. More a matter of personal curiosity. Cheers Rodney Austin ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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