I live about 60 miles south of Tampa. I took my dog out this morning around 6am. I was surveying the sky like I do every morning focusing on the area surrounding what I believe was Capella. I witnessed a bright flash in between Capella and Saturn that looked similar to the white flashing light on an airplane. There were no red and green running lights on the object so I don’t believe it was an aircraft. It only flashed one time then stopped not continuously like an aircraft would do. I continued to look in the area and about 45 to 60 seconds later, it appeared again. This time it had moved 10 to 15 degrees to the Northeast. Again it flashed one time and stopped. About 45 to 60 seconds later, it appeared again another 10 degrees or so further to the Northeast. I did not see it again after this. I have heard mention of Iridium flares before but I don’t think I have ever seen one but maybe I did this morning. I was under the impression that Iridium flares only appeared once then that was it. This appeared 3 times with a fair amount of regularity. Does anyone have any idea what I might have seen?

Thanks,
Michael

• Satellite Perhaps - admin - September 18, 2003 - 12:01 UTC
  • Maybe.... - merlin11 - September 19, 2003 - 02:41 UTC
• iridium - frankhm - October 5, 2003 - 17:48 UTC