At 05:35 PST (12:35 UT) I stepped outside to
observe Iridium 46 flare as scheduled at 05:37:14 PST.
The flare occurred as predicted (actually it was a bit
early by 15 seconds). I tracked the satellite
visually(naked eye) for 17.03 seconds.
Approximately 1 second later, there was another
satellite flare in the very same location as the first
flare had occurred. I need help identifying what this
second flare was.
A check at Heavens Above shows Iridium 46 listed
twice with passes at 05:37:28 and 05:37:29. I was
unable to find a match for any other predicted
satellite passes at my location at the times noted.
My questions: 1) Was this possibly a replacement
satellite?
2) Could there possibly be an
error in identification of one of the two Iridium
satellites listed at Heavens Above for the two(2)
times stated?
3) Can someone possibly identify
the second satellite, or explain to me what exactly I
saw that flared?
Thank you for any help here. This is very
puzzling to me.
R. Morgan
Amateur Astronomer
Carson City, Nevada USA
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