Unusual Plume & Object from SPSP2014

[Star Catcher (Ted Dobosz)]

Hi All

Whilst at the SPSP2014, on the 23rd of May around 12.45am, several of us witnessed an unusual plume and accompanying object in the western sky near Corvus, heading north at about 2 degrees per minute.

The diffuse object was easily visible to the naked at about the same apparent size and magnitude as the beehive cluster.

The consensus amongst the observers is that what we saw was a rocket plume and booster stage possibly being lit by the moon that was to rise 45 minutes later. I have attached a image of what we saw. Thanks.

Ted

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by Star Catcher

Hi All

Whilst at the SPSP2014, on the 23rd of May around 12.45am, several of us witnessed an unusual plume and accompanying object in the western sky near Corvus, heading north at about 2 degrees per minute.

The diffuse object was easily visible to the naked at about the same apparent size and magnitude as the beehive cluster.

The consensus amongst the observers is that what we saw was a rocket plume and booster stage possibly being lit by the moon that was to rise 45 minutes later. I have attached a image of what we saw. Thanks.

Ted

On the money there Ted,we saw similar at Queensland AstroFest a few years ago.
Check to see what launches had occured within that day.
Nice Capture.
Cheers

[Carlz (Carly)]

yes i saw it too whilst at SPSP, and thought i was the only one that saw it. im not going crazy haha. i too got a photo, but not as clear as yours

[bkm2304 (Richard Brown)]

Hi Ted,

Similar plume occurred last year during full moon.

Have a look here.

Richard.