06-02-2014, 01:19 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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EcoModding Apprentice
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What did I see in the Day sky?
So... I was working on my chimney Saturday May 31 2014 @ ~12:35pm, when a bright spec caught my eye and I focused on it and tracked it across the sky. Looked like a very bright moving star. Object was moving ~5x faster than the commercial jet that was also fly across the sky. This thing was hauling A$$!
Satellite or Supersonic Jet?
I've never seen a satellite before and it would be cool if I spotted that or even NASA testing thier supersonic jet that makes no sonic boom. Ayy guesses or info to know which satellite I saw?
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06-02-2014, 01:43 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Always Too Busy
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It's entirely possible you saw the International Space Station, as it is the largest manmade object in space.
There is a website that lets you track it: Current position of the ISS
Did you hear any noise? 'Cause if you didn't, it's almost definitely a satellite. Supersonic jets, even at very high altitude, still make plenty of noise.
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06-02-2014, 02:50 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
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Daytime - I don't think you saw the ISS.
Maybe a meteor. One shot through the daytime sky over southern Ontario last month, though the angle makes it less interesting than the one you saw:
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06-02-2014, 04:03 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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Of perhaps a satellite even brighter than the ISS? The Iridium constellation features satellites with ~4x10' flat antenna panels that make wonderful mirrors. These antennae are held in predictable positions, making forecasts of flares very accurate.
I'd take a look at what was predicted, but I'd need your exact lat/long coordinates as well as time. These things get brighter than the Moon's surface, but only over a very narrow strip of land, and for about 15 seconds or less.
HAVe fun,
Frank |
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06-02-2014, 07:36 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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.
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I've unintentionally seen an Iridium flare before. If it kept a steady pace, and the light changed very gradually it might be it. It's almost like the light reflecting off a plane (or a mirror) but more intense, and you can tell it's pretty far out there moving fast.
A meteorite will have quick blips of intense light as it ablates in the atmosphere.
There is also a big difference between the orbital speed of satellites, and the much faster speed of Meteorites.
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06-02-2014, 07:39 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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.
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An iridium flare is also visible in daylight. The one i saw was three hours before sunset.
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06-06-2014, 03:19 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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I see my light come shining,
from the west down to the east,
any day now, any day now,
I shall be released.
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06-06-2014, 01:07 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sheepdog 44
A meteorite will have quick blips of intense light as it ablates in the atmosphere.
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And will almost always leave a trail... |
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06-06-2014, 01:17 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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I say it was a satellite. They are fast, no trail. If the sun is in the right position you can get a reflection you can see.
I can spot them at night all of the time. I've seen a few in the day.
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06-07-2014, 12:31 AM
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#10 (permalink)
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Banned
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Quote:
Originally Posted by freebeard
I see my light come shining,
from the west down to the east,
any day now, any day now,
I shall be released.
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And also:
I saw the light I saw the light
No more darkness no more night
Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light.
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