Double Iridium flare this morning

[StephenM]

Hi all,

We had another double Iridium flare this morning at 4:54. The two flares, at mag -7 and -1, were separated by only 19 seconds so both were visible together. I captured both of them in the 42 second exposure below. This was using the 70-300mm telephoto at 70mm - probably would have been better with the wider angle lens. Will try 50mm next time!

Cheers,
Stephen

[Quark]

A couple of beauties there, well done Stephen.

Regards
Trevor

[Kevnool]

Great capture Stephen.
Cheers Kev.

[spearo]

Very cool well done
frank

[StephenM]

Thanks Trevor, Kev and Frank!

We have another -7 flare tomorrow evening, halfway between Crux and the pointers. Has the potential to be a nice shot as long as the clouds co-operate...

Cheers,
Stephen

[Matt Wastell]

Great pic
Is there something special about the satellites that cause iridium flares / or is it just timing?
Thanks

[spearo]

Matt,
I think its the solar panels reflecting the sun as the satellite slowly rotate/spin, not 100% sure but I think that's why they appear to brighten up and wane away again.

frank