Quote:
Originally Posted by astroron
There are thousands of satellites out there,but none brighter than the ISS which can reach -8.5-9.0 magnitude.
Cheers  |
The ISS has a max magnitude of -5.9, and iridium flares can reach a maximum of -9.5
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apparent_magnitude. I think this is because Iridium sats reflect the sun like a mirror, and thus will only flair for a small area on the ground, however the ISS just reflects light normally with no flairs. Like shining you watch in somones eye vs trying to shine you arm in someones eye, the watch will be brighter because of the reflection, whereas the arm is more diffuse.
Cheers
Dan