[vsnet-obs 20146] Re: (fwd) object identification request

[Taichi Kato <tkato>]

> Of course it could be a satellite. However,I have never observed a
> stationary satellite changing brightness to the degree that I mentioned. 
> Also the observed object remained at a steady apparent magnitude for some
> time after it's episode.  Additionally,the max.  brightness was far in
> excess of Arcturus.  The manner in which it dimmed was at a steady rate
> until it reached a constant apparent magnitude.  I also have no
> explanation

    I have heard (from popular astronomy magazines) very similar brightening
events have been identified with satellite flares.  The present satellite
ephemeris is accurate enough to locate which satellite could be at the
position noted.  I myself have seen several times satellites brightening
to -2 mag or brighter without an apparent motion, but the nature was soon
revealed by examining by a binocular.  The motion of the satellite can be
slow enough for unaided human eyes to recognize.  The brightening and dimming
pattern differs from satellite to satellite; some of which show short
flash-like flares (e.g. Iridium satellites), others show slower brightening
and fading.  Before proceeding to the possibility of stellar origin, I'd
recommend you to rule out all possibilities of existing satellites.

Regards,
Taichi Kato

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