Last night about 11:30 I saw what appeared to be a double Iridium Flare. There were two satellites travelling slowly together about 1 degree apart, rising from the SW and moving towards the NE. I first noticed them in Serpens when they had brightened and were shining just as bright as Jupiter. I watched them for 30 seconds or so and then they faded away from naked eye view. I followed them with my scope for a minute or two but lost them when I looked up to see if I could spot them without optical aid.
From what I can determine on Heavens Above, one of the flares should have been Iridium 19. I cannot find a reference to a second.
I've seen lots of flares but I have never previously witnessed a pair travelling together that flared at the exact same time.
clear skies,
dan
From what I can determine on Heavens Above, one of the flares should have been Iridium 19. I cannot find a reference to a second.
I've seen lots of flares but I have never previously witnessed a pair travelling together that flared at the exact same time.
clear skies,
dan
