have i got this right?

[richbyers]

i have seen both the iss and iridium flares several times, however coming from some time out from astronomy i want to make sure i have this correct...ISS will always be constantly bright across the sky and will last longer, whereas flares go from nothing to bright to nothing again fairly rapidly (like 5/6 secs) and you will not be able to view them from one side of the sky to the other?

thanks

[ronin]

That is more or less right.

The ISS could go into the earths shadow while looking at it and so "disappear", or at least get a lot dimmer. Heavens above will give a picture and indicate when (if) it goes into the earths shadow from your observation position.

Once an iridium flare has flared you could probably see/track the satellite itself like any other satellite, easier if you picked up the flare in binoculars.

[richbyers]

cheers- just making sure

rich

[sanmatt]

I'm unsure If I've seen a flare. Could it shoot across (say for example The Plough) big bright and wide, for a second or so?

[richbyers]

it would move much slower than a meteor for example, but i could flare up and die pretty quickly, more so than the iss, and usually more brilliant- well the ones i ve seen were

[g0ibi]

ISS passed W to E at 21.56 tonight, brightest I've ever seen!!

[richbyers]

yeah i went out to see that, clouds everywhere though....im busy trying to test the new app i have that tells the times

[bain]

yeah i went out to see that, clouds everywhere though....im busy trying to test the new app i have that tells the times

What is that app called? I don't suppose it's "Sputnik". I've tried this one out and it's pretty good, my phone beeps at me in advance for any upcoming satellites coming in view. Pretty handy.

[garethmob]

most of the IOS apps tell when, star walk and skysafari pro doo (both pay for apps)

[Viv]

What is that app called? I don't suppose it's "Sputnik". I've tried this one out and it's pretty good, my phone beeps at me in advance for any upcoming satellites coming in view. Pretty handy.

Nice - that's good you can set reminders.

Have got that one, but just not used it yet ........