Wongan Hills has the opportunity to see an Iridium Satellite Flare tonight! Take note of where the flare will happen. It’s marked by the circle in the image above. It will flare above the “Saucepan”!
When to look: 8.00pm, Monday 7 January 2019.
Make sure you’re outside five minutes beforehand to get ready. There’s only one chance to see it, so you need to be prepared!
Direction to look: East. In the minutes leading up to the flare time, keep watch for the Satellite. It will look like a slow moving, dull star and will travel across the eastern sky starting from the south east and heading to the north east. Pick out the stars around the location of the flare to help you.
What is an Iridium Satellite Flare?
Iridium satellites are small communications satellites that orbit Earth. They look like a slow moving, dull star before they give off a big flash of light. This happens when their Iridium panels turn towards the Sun and reflect the light to us on Earth! Head over to Stargazers Club WA to find out more.
You have to be looking at the exact location in the night sky to see them. Once you see one, you’ll be keen to see more. Heavens Above is a great website that gives predictions for all sorts of satellites including Iridium Flares.
All Iridium Satellites are numbered. This one is Iridium 95!
If you’ve never seen one before, you’ll be cheering! Good luck!!
Want More Stargazing Tips?
There’s always something interesting happening in the night sky and country WA is the best place to catch all the action!