NUFORC Sighting 43660

Occurred: 2005-04-26 20:30 Local
Reported: 2005-04-26 19:28 Pacific
Duration: 3 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: Lewiston, ME, USA

Shape:


I witnessed this event this evening, 4/26/05 but your form would not let me enter today's date.

I believe what I witnessed was a satellite but I'll enter it here and let you be the judge. I was sitting in my hottub in the back yard looking up at the Eastern sky when very suddenly a bright light appeared out of nowhere. It appeared to be quite high (like a star) was traveling slowly, in a straight line, from North to South, and passed, from my perspective, just below the tail of the Big Dipper.

It was dim at first, just a dim star-like dot, then suddenly and very briefly (1-3 seconds) became very bright - brighter than the brightest planet in the sky. Then it dimmed and disappeared from view.

My theory is that it was a satellite that perhaps reflected some sunlight briefly. It did not zig or zag or change directions. I often see satellites in the night sky from our back yard, traveling in straight lines, but this kind of "flash" is unusual, so figured I'd report it. I enjoy your site. Thanks for your honest and serious attempt to investigate these phenomenon.



26 Apr 03:40:48 -4 48° 262° (W ) 13.9 km (W) -8 Iridium 42
26 Apr 20:28:44 -0 61° 92° (E ) 33.2 km (E) -8 Iridium 29
26 Apr 20:33:40 -9 64° 94° (E ) 1.1 km (W) -9 Iridium 95
26 Apr 22:03:50 -7 31° 60° (ENE) 8.9 km (E) -7 Iridium 34

NUFORC Note:

Probably Iridium satellite #29 or 95, we suspect. Schedule from for Iridium flares appears below. PD


Posted 2005-05-11

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