What did I see?

[mylantus]

I was wondering about something I saw tonight in the sky. I live about 50 miles outside Chicago. I was casually looking at the sky, somewhat in the area where the 2 end stars of the big dipper (the "Dipper" part) point toward, specifically maybe 30-40 degrees above the horizon in the northern sky. There was a very bright star that I noticed. As I watched, it slowly got dimmer and dimmer until it disappeared completely. The process took about 15 - 30 seconds. The time was around 9:00 PM US Central time. The star did not move at all as I watched it, so I didn't think it was a man made object or a meteor or anything like that. I was wondering if there was some astronomical event tonight that I happened to see, or if anyone knew what it could have been. Additionally, the skies are clear this evening, no cloud cover.
Thanks

 

[eosophobiac]

Most probably: Iridium Flare

*That is just one of many sites that will give you info on Iridium Flares. You can always search for more info.

 

[MeteorWayne]

I'd agree, most likely an Iridium. If you can give what town you live in, we can look it up.
They actually do move, but very slowly, and unles there's a bright star nearby (which there aren't in that part of the sky) you might not notice the motion.

 

[mylantus]

I live in Oswego, Il, right near Aurora. Thanks, I never heard of an Iridium flare. Time to follow that link. Thank you again!