Iridium flare

[rumples riot]

Think I saw an Iridium flare tonight. 9.00 local time Monday 8 November.

I looked up at the night sky while having a smoke and saw a bright flare overhead, brighter than any star and then it faded to reveal the satellite as it slowly moved across the sky. Only recently heard of them after thirty years in the hobby. Now I think I know what I am looking at when people talk about them.

Anyone know if this event was going to be expected and did any one else see it?

Paul

[Mick]

That's an Iridium Paul, lovely hey.

[rumples riot]

Hey something very different, very bright too. As I understand it they are caused from a certain type of satellite. Anyone know exactly what on those satellites causes the flash?

Paul

[iceman]

Mick would know for sure, he's an iridium chaser! :) I think the flash is from the reflection of the sun on the mirrors as the satellite spins around.

Correct me if I'm wrong mick :)

[Mick]

Yes your close Ice, the Main Mission Antenna (MMA) is the part of the Iridium satellite that reflects the sun light. You can find more info here http://www.satellite.eu.org/iridium.html

(MMA) photo, the big rectangular bit is the MMA.

[rumples riot]

Thanks for the shot Mick, now I can see why we get such a good flare from that panel.

Paul