NUFORC Sighting 148127

Occurred: 2019-08-06 20:45 Local
Reported: 2019-08-07 17:25 Pacific
Duration: 5 minutes
No of observers: 1

Location: Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Shape: Flash
Characteristics: Lights on object

Abnormal flashing object in SoCal

As an avid skywatcher since birth (51 hrs), I take pride in my recognition skills concerning flying objects. While relaxing on my back porch after a long day of work I noticed what appeared to be a flashing satellite. The trajectory was circumpolar and velocity was consistant with average satellites. The object was first noticed at the zenith. The first flash was of approximately -6 magnitude brightness and lasted 3 seconds. So far this seemed normal for a rotating solar paneled satellite. Every 22 seconds the object flashed at a consistent magnitude until it disappeared over the northern horizon.

The odd thing is the flashing was consistent brightness as though the light was radiating all directions. Normal rotating satellites will flash at most twice before the change in orbital position relative to the observer makes the solar panels flash to a single spot on the earth's surface. The next flash would be hundreds of miles away from the observer one would think.

This is the first time I’ve seen this phenomenon and have seen thousands of satellites in my skywatching. This is my 23rd unexplainable sighting of aerial phenomena.




NUFORC Note:

Witness elects to remain totally anonymous; provides no contact information. PD


Posted 2019-08-23

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