Possible nova or just a meteor?

[lineout]

Just wondering if anyone noticed a light in the sky a few degrees south of the Southern Cross last night around 6.45-7.00pm last night.

Basically I was looking at that region of the sky (naked eye) and a "star" where there was no star increased in brightness for a few seconds then dimmed to nothing.

The whole thing took maybe 15-20 sec to complete.

I'm assuming it wasn't a nova as they tend to last a bit longer. Of course it may have been a meteor that flew straight at me.

So if anyone saw it last night I'd love to know what it was.....if anyone knows.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

A lucky sighting Lineout. It sounds to me like an Iridium satellite flare. The timeframe, direction and time of night certainly indicate it. If you register with www.heavens-above.com you can get lists of when these events will occur in your area. They are very localized.

[lineout]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

A lucky sighting Lineout. It sounds to me like an Iridium satellite flare. The timeframe, direction and time of night certainly indicate it. If you register with www.heavens-above.com you can get lists of when these events will occur in your area. They are very localized.

Damn I thought I was lucky enough to see a nova.

Thanks anyway.