HST flare up

[Mick]

Last night at around 18:55 the HST made an unusual pass over my location, it was unusual in that it flared like an Iridium. It was predicted to be 1.8 mag. but it would have been closer to -2.0 and at the flare peek it was around -8.0. I have been reading that sometimes the aft skirt on the telescope can cause this type of reflection just like an Iridium.

[astroron]

Hi Mick, it happened over my location the evening before, in fact it is a regular occurrence, so it pays to look everytime it is passing overhead near sundown,you may gat a big surprise. Also watch for the ISS to do the same thing. astroron

[Mick]

I usually spend more time observing the ISS and Iridium's so I've never see the HST flare. Thanks astroron :)

[gaa_ian]

I have seen the same thing with the hubble, in fact I have seen a double flare during a pass a few yrs ago !

[stinky]

Could it be that the double is caused by a manouvering event and that flares from the hst are often a result if this and therefore nor predictable?

[vespine]

what? huh? You guys are observing satellites??! 1.8 mag? -2? isn't that like REALLY bright?? Is there any more info somewhere about "finding" these objects?? Sounds cool, can you get them in your scope or are they too small and too fast?

[ving]

-8? is that a typo?? :eek:

seen the iss really bright a few times now, but not the hst... have to keep an eye out. thanks!

[stinky]

Try here:-

http://www.heavens-above.com/

Have FUN !!!!!

[Mick]

Sorry, been away working for a few days. No not a typo it was very bright Ving, it caught me by surprise I knew it was the HST but I didn't expect it to flare. I see on seesat that HST flares can be predicted.

[astroron]

The HST passed over tonight and transited at 18:51, mag 1.8, but just before it went into the earths shadow flaired to about mag -4, it's qute good to watch in Bino's:thumbsup: :eyepop: