Re: Iridium moonlight flares?

Ron Lee (ronlee@pcisys.net)
Wed, 25 Nov 1998 07:01:39 -0700

At 12:43 PM 11/25/98 +0100, you wrote:
>Last night I had a dream and today I can't get out it of my mind ... Can
>we observe reflection on the MMAs from the Moon? In other words is it
>possible to observe flares from moonlight instead sunlight? If so, which
>magnitude can be reached from a full moon?
>
>I think it isn't possible, but I'm not an expert...
>
>Bye!
>Paolo

Yes it is possible. This issue was raised by another SeeSatter last year.
Rob Matson predicted , and I observed, such a lunar flare off an Iridium
earlier this year.  I am attempting to see another. Several are coming up 
in the next few days.  I did use an 8" telescope but it "may" be possible
under ideal conditions to see one with binoculars.

Ron Lee