I S S space station or U F O ?

[kris h]

Just about 5 mins ago i was stood in my garden looking up to see what stars i could see and from the direction of the moon a moving object got brighter and brighter and then disapeared it was moving near the big dipper its the 2nd time ive something like that does anyone know what this was.

[LukeSkywatcher]

To find out if it was the ISS you can check here:

Heavens-Above Home Page

The ISS doesnt really get brighter and brighter and then vanish. Its magnitude is constant for each pass (it does differ with every pass) and the only way it "vanishes" is by going out of direct line of sight. Its more likely that you saw a "flare" which is caused by light from the sun reflecting off of the solar panels of a passing satellite. This event does cause the object seen to gather brightness and then fade again. This is usually associated with the Iridium satellites and is known as an "Iridium Flare". Very impressive to watch and even more so if imaged with a DSLR camera. You can also check for Iridium flares on the above website.

[martin_h]

I've just seen it - 3am, just put the scope to bed and was looking at Jupiter rising, man was it bright! as bright as Jupiter.

[The Sailor]

I am seeing it every clear night now, I have used Stellarium to give me an idea of time and direction and it had been true to form each time.

Jim

[martin_h]

I have 3 chances to see it again tonight...might even get Her Indoors out at 10.30 tonight