One of the oddest things I've seen in 25 years visual astronomy...
A bright star appeared just above Atria (alpha TrA), approx RA 17h 40m, Dec -69d 0m, at about 9:14pm AEST on 17th Oct, but faded below naked-eye as I watched over 15-20s. I didn't see it brighten, but it peaked a bit brighter than Atria, and was that bright as I was setting polar alignment on Atria, confusing me as an extra star near Triangular Australe. Observing site S Sydney.
No discernible movement at all (though naked eye, was watching carefully), so not a satellite flare or a plane. Much, much too slow and steady for a point meteor. Distinctly twinkling like other stars, so above the atmosphere. Nothing visible at the spot by the time I'd grabbed binoculars, 30s later. I'm an experienced observer, so would like to think (I hope!) I'd not be fooled by a satellite (though no movement and late evening) or a meteor of any kind.
Anyone else see anything? Or ideas as to what it was??
