Unknown Object

Brum (Andrew) · #1 09-10-2009, 07:33 PM

I was observing on wednesday night at around 8:40pm. Something went past over head at about the same speed as a sat but it was as big and bright as jupiter. I looked at it with bino's but could only gather it wasn't a plane. Does someone know what this object was most likely to be. It wouldn't be the ISS would it?

Kind Regards, Brum

ngcles · #2 09-10-2009, 07:46 PM

Hi Brum

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brum

I was observing on wednesday night at around 8:40pm. Something went past over head at about the same speed as a sat but it was as big and bright as jupiter. I looked at it with bino's but could only gather it wasn't a plane. Does someone know what this object was most likely to be. It wouldn't be the ISS would it?

Almost certainly the IIS which was making a pass over Melbourne at 8.28pm at about magnitude -3.0.

See here:

http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSum...102.5416666667

And here:

http://www.heavens-above.com/?lat=-3...alt=58&tz=AEST

For Lots more satellite predictions for Melbourne -- though you can refine your position to within a suburb and get better timings and brightnesses too.

Best,

Les D