Observed odd ISS flare

From: Marco Langbroek (marco.langbroek@wanadoo.nl)
Date: Sun Apr 15 2007 - 17:17:27 EDT

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    Hi all,
    
    Just a few minutes ago I saw ISS giving off a true flare. I've never seen it 
    doing this before.
    
    It was low in the west crossing into Gemini at mag. -2, when suddenly (as if a 
    switch was turned) it flared up by at least 1.5 to 2 extra magnitudes, for maybe 
    a second or 2-3, and then back to its previous brightness again. Very 
    conspicuous. I also had the impression of an orange colour but that could be due 
    to the low elevation. Never seen this before with ISS. Time was approximately 
    21:07:15 UTC (Apr 15). Anyone seen this before?
    
    - Marco
    
    PS: at the earlier 19:34 UTC pass I was watching and photographing ISS in 
    twilight too.
    My new neighbours were in the courtyard, because of the unusual high 
    temperatures. They asked me what I was doing and I explained.
    At first they didn't want to believe me, thinking it was an airplane when I 
    pointed them to the ISS passing. On second thought, they realized I had 
    predicted it would pass, so probably I was right...
    Next I could see a look in their eyes signalling probably something like: 
    "Right. Somewhat a nutter, but not dangerous..."  ;-)
    
    
    -----
    Dr Marco Langbroek  -  SatTrackCam Leiden, Cospar 4353
    Leiden, the Netherlands. 52.15412 N,  4.49081 E (WGS84), +0 m ASL
    
    SatTrackCam: http://home.wanadoo.nl/marco.langbroek/satcam.html
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    -----
    
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