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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / What did I see?
« on: 18/07/2009 16:50:03 »
About a week ago I awoke around 3:15 GMT (just before dawn) and noticed a very bright object around due south about 25 degrees above the horizon. At first I thought it was Venus even though it was much brighter than I had ever seen the planet. After a few a few minutes I again peered out and was surprised to see the object had faded to about half it's previous brightness. Since it appeared stationary I wondered whether it was a super nova - but after a few more minutes I went back to sleep. It was not a dream as my wife also saw the object. Later in the day I checked the position of Venus and promptly discounted this as the cause. For the last few days this has perplexed me until I realised that the direction of the observation coincides with with geostationary TV satellite positions. The following night (to the annoyance of my wife) I set the alarm for the same time - you guessed it - no sign of anything near the location where seen.
Is it possible that I saw a direct reflection from the solar panels of a geo sat? does anybody have any other possible explanations?
Is it possible that I saw a direct reflection from the solar panels of a geo sat? does anybody have any other possible explanations?