It does certainly sound like an Iridium flare
.
I often wonder what people think of these who don't know what they are.
Iridium flares, especially when they're really bright ones, are super fun to watch and very addictive! The reactions on peoples faces when they see them for the first time are priceless.
They are very regular- check out the
Heavens Above site (I think once you put in in your co-ords it remembers it or just sign up as a member) and it'll give you times for your area. The magnitude -8 ones are awesome. Click on the date and it will take you to the chart. Below the chart is another little table and it'll give you the distance to the flare centre. The closer you are to the flare centre, the brighter it will appear to be from your location.
There is also a phone app. called ISS tracker (does both the ISS & Iridiums) which will notify you. I have mine set for 30 mins notice which gives me enough time to work out where it's going to flare.
