NUFORC Sighting 18262

Occurred: 2001-06-30 22:50 Local
Reported: 2001-07-01 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 10 seconds
No of observers: 2

Location: Milwaukee, WI, USA

Shape: Light

traveling light that grows in intensity

As my brother in-law and I were star-gazing in a park, I spotted what I thought was another satellite crossing the sky. I had spotted what I consider a satellite right before this one and watched it until it faded away. As I spotted the second light moving across the sky, I grabbed my brother and turned him towards it. As I did this, the tiny star type light grew in intesity until it was brighter then any other star in the sky. By this time, my brother easily saw it. The light then grew dimmer until it vanished completely. The light traveled approximately the length of my finger at arms length in the sky while it changed intensity. I did not hear anything, and I watched for several minutes after for any other signs but did not see anything else.

NUFORC Note:

Consistent with an Iridium "flare." See for schedule of flares caused by these satellites. PD

Posted 2001-08-05