Fire in the Sky?

[green4466]

On 7-13-06 at around 11:40pm?, I saw two separate lights in the sky. I was on the beach in Garden City Beach, SC. They appeared next to each other to the left of the moon. Then about ten to twenty minutes later, I saw another light in the sky to on the right side of the moon. The lights appeared to be on fire, they didn't move and they stayed lit for about 10 to 20 seconds then disapeared. Any idea's? Thanks.

 

[harmonicaman]

Iridium Flares?

 

[MeteorWayne]

If you can tell us where you were located, we (or you if you click on the link provided) can look up whether Iridium flares were the cause. I noticed last week when observing one, another occurred in the same orbit about 15 seconds earlier. Most unusual in my experience.<br /><br />MW <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[green4466]

I was in Garden City Beach, SC, this town is about 15 to 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Thanks for the help, waiting for your answer

 

[alokmohan]

What is irridium flame?

 

[alokmohan]

http://www.heavens-above.com/iridiumhelp.asp

 

[MeteorWayne]

It is quite possible that you did see some Iridium flares (click on the link above provided by alokhoman) for more info. They tend to occur in series over a several day period and there is currently a set near midnight (perhaps it was a bit later than you thought since you ?'d the time) about 60 degrees to the left of where the moon was. If you go to the heavens-above.com page you can set your location (then bookmark it) and see predictions for each day. They only last 10 or 15 seconds, so if you are to look for them it is imperative that you have a very accurate and calibrated timepiece. They can be much brighter than Venus particularly when high in the sky; at lower elevations like the series in the east at your location, they are usually (but not always) dimmer since they have to travel through more air, and the spot on the earth is more spread out<br /><br />MW <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Sorry about the typo in your handle alokmohan.<br />I'm a lousy typist. <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>