Daytime satellite?

[cometcatcher]

I just saw my first full daytime satellite. At least that's what I think it was. ;) I was imaging Venus at the time and this other bright object traveled past it going towards the Sun. It was about as bright as Venus and a similar bright white colour. It's brightness increased greatly near the Sun before I lost it in the glare. The time was about 14:50 very roughly.

Anyone know which satellite this was? Heaven's above only seem to have night time sats and Stellarium didn't show anything in that position at that time.

Going by the time, there is a possibility that this was a weather balloon. I've not seen one move that fast in a westerly direction before, unless it was very strong up there.

[geolindon]

g day Kevin, i have been enjoying your recent pics posted here :thumbsup:

as for your mystery my thoughts only compound it;

CFN shows a strong jet stream from the SW flowing to the East over MacKay, and moderate southerly winds, so if a balloon above all that, 10km - 16km up.

Wikipedia says, weather balloons regularly go 18 km - 37 km and one went to 53 km, so maybeeee but at those distances would a weather balloon be as bright?

the brightness you describe sounds like the ISS but the few times i have identified the ISS it moved W to E.

interesting :question:

regards, L

[OzEclipse]

There was no ISS pass at that time today in Mackay. COuld have been another but there are not too many bright satellites of Venus brilliance.

Joe

[Dennis]

Here is an example of a weather balloon, taken through a 400mm telephoto lens.

Taken at 9:18 am back in July 2013.

One is a full frame shot, the other a crop to show the detail. It was very bright to the naked eye and moving rapidly.

Cheers

Dennis