Can Satellite Watching Become an Addictive Hobby?

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DaveC426913
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Does anyone else regularly observe them?

I started off slowly, using the Heavens Above website. But everyone knows it's a gateway site.

Now I have the app on my phone. I can get alerts in time to run outside in my socks to see them, or drag my entire family outside to show them. That's right, I'm not just an addict; I'm a dealer too.
 
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I was watching them regularly for a while. They're awesome. I had an app and everything.
 
iridiumflare00.jpg
 
Niiiiiice.

Do you know what the magnitude on that flare was projected to be? Best I've ever seen is -9.
 
No idea, it was soooo long ago.

Then, I have the information about when and where the picture was taken, so probably it can be checked.

Edit: I guess it was at least -1 or -2, as I don't look up if they are darker than that.
 
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I really enjoy watching them, and also use the Heavens-Above site regularly. I do think the maximum brightness from what I've read is -9. I think I've seen a daylight flare some years back as well, but did not check the computer to confirm.
My best story--I had researched an upcoming flare event that was going to be roughly -8 and close to overhead from my home at around 8:00 pm. I set my watch to GMT and about a minute beforehand dragged my (ex)wife out into the backyard and pointed to a patch of sky. Almost to the second we had a very bright flash--she was dumbfounded. She always thought I was from outer space anyway; I just told her I'd set up with my buds to shine a light from their ship to prove it.
 
NeuronsAtWork said:
My best story--I had researched an upcoming flare event that was going to be roughly -8 and close to overhead from my home at around 8:00 pm. I set my watch to GMT and about a minute beforehand dragged my (ex)wife out into the backyard and pointed to a patch of sky. Almost to the second we had a very bright flash--she was dumbfounded. She always thought I was from outer space anyway; I just told her I'd set up with my buds to shine a light from their ship to prove it.

Yeah. I did the same thing with my kid! :smile: