10/1/09 approximately 9:28 PM CDT.
As a lifelong stargazer, I have a tendency to keep up with basic stuff like “for several days this summer, Jupiter was closer to Earth than it will ever be again in my lifetime.” Three of it’s moons were visible with just the aid of inexpensive binoculars and… it was truly an impressive sight!
The simple version of my UFO sighting (and I use the term loosely) is that I noticed a bright planet-looking light in the sky. I probably would not have noticed it if it hadn’t been so completely out of place in a constellation that I know well. Puzzled, I looked behind me to confirm that the moon and Jupiter were where I expected them to me. Looking back to the object, I immediately spotted it again and briefly thought that it must be the International Space Station. (I’ve been fortunate to have seen the ISS several times.) But this object could not be the International Space Station because it was completely stationary. I was about to go into the house to get my binoculars when I realized that the object was steadily getting dimmer. As I tried to very accurately memorize its position, it faded completely away.
Viewing From Amarillo Texas, Latitude 35 N, Longitude 102 W, Elevation 3300′
Moon nearly full Azimuth 129, Altitude 34.
In the constellation Cassiopeia, Azimuth 30, Altitude 34, I saw a very bright, completely stationary light about the size and brightness of Jupiter (at its largest). There was no flickering or pulsating. After a few seconds, I realized that it was gradually getting dimmer. In less than a minute it faded completely away and did not reappear.
Apparently a geostationary (geosynchronous) satellite flare? I couldn’t find much on the web about it and so assume that it’s a fairly rare occurrence.
I believe that your description of the bright and then fading object describes what is known as an Iridium Flare. There’s quite a lot of info available on the web if you’ll Google those particular terms.
http://www.heavens-above.com can predict iridium flares based on where you’re at. i.e. You have to register so that you can indicate your geographical location and time zone.
Comment by mathman — October 13, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
I saw a similar thing a few months ago over Australia and I haven’t yet found a satisfactory explanation.
As far as I am aware, Iridium satellites are not geosynchronous and geosynchronous satellites are not bright.
The one I observed was about mag 0 (constant) and was stationary for at least 5 minutes before it blinked out in an instant.
I’m confident it wasn’t any of the usual suspects: weather balloons, Chinese lanterns, aircraft.
Any clues or links to positional data on bright geosynchronous satellites would be appreciated.
Comment by Roy — October 20, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
I have seen this type of occurance on many occasions throughout my life. I am not very well versed in astronomy, but will communicate my experiences as best I can.
The light(s) will appear when gazing at the sky. Sometimes near the horizon, most of the time 45 to 90 degrees. At some point you just become aware of the light. It has a “brightness/brilliance” to it that catches your eye and is unlike the stars around it. The lights I have seen appear to rotate causing a “twinkle” effect. The light will appear to “grow” in circumferance, occasionally becoming very bright (once I saw the light with a companion and the light became so bright the thought crossed my mind of a helicopter spotlight). Sometimes the lights pulse from bright to dim, brighter, dimmer…eventually fading out. The lights varied in color. Most common was the white/bright light. I have seen blue lights as well.
Comment by hr38004 — December 29, 2009 @ 5:19 am