NUFORC Sighting 160897

Occurred: 2020-11-20 03:30 Local
Reported: 2020-12-01 13:16 Pacific
Duration: 3 minutes
No of observers: 1

Location: Naperville, IL, USA

Shape: Light

Stationary light fades from view

At approx. 0330, I stepped outside to take a look at the sky. Looking to the north, I noticed an "extra" star in the bowl of the Little Dipper, between the stars Kochab and Pherkad. I estimated the brightness to be about second magnitude.

Being not quite fully awake, my first thought was, "That planet is out of place". After a moment, I realized what I was thinking, came fully awake, and started watching the light. After approx. two minutes, the light simply faded out over a period of about three seconds.

I've observed probably hundreds of satellites and the ISS over many years and the thing that strikes me was the total lack of motion against the fixed stars before it faded out. I suppose though that might have been a projection effect. I noticed no aircraft in the area, shy was clear, and wind was calm.

Heavens Above site showed a pass of "US3A07" but the timing was somewhat off and there was no track, contrary to that predicted on HA.

Posted 2020-12-23