What is this?

[Liz]

Took these pics last night (2nd June) about 7.15pm, didnt see anything at the time, not until I downloaded them. Both shots with 450D 4.5/ISO 1600/20 sec. Looks a bit like an iridium flare, but didnt see it visually ??

[madtuna]

I'd hazard a guess and say a Satelite as it's in both exposures which seems awfully long for an Iridium flare, that maybe would also explain why you didn't see it visually.

It adds to the nice pics though!

[edwardsdj]

Hi Liz,

I'd go with Steve. I couldn't find an Iridium flare visible in the South from Townsville on that night.

It's probably a tumbling satellite. Could possibly be Comos 1066 Rocket:

http://www.heavens-above.com/allsats.asp?lat=-19.250&lng=146.800&alt=1&loc=Townsville&TZ=UCTm10&Date=39600.3541666667&Mag=4.5

Have fun,
Doug

[rollmebackagain]

is there any way to get that site to tell me about satellites in other locations? I live in Texas, United States now and I'm trying to find a similar resource. Thanks!

[madtuna]

Hi Mate! just enter your location it works world wide.
I used it to view the ISS when in Florida a few weeks back

[AlexN]

I'd say a satellite... Ive seen the same sort of thing through my 10x50 binoculars, then when i've pulled the bino's away I couldnt see anything.. went inside, used starry night pro and took time back 10 minutes, turned out to be a satellite.

[Liz]

Thanks guys, yes, most likely a satellite then as the 2 pics spanned at least 40 sec, interesting.