Iridium flares (satellite glints) and UFO reporting

[Tucson_Tim]

I saw a -8 magnitude Iridium flare last night that was so bright that it seemed almost "unreal". My neighbors had never seen one so they came over and we observed it together. They were speechless. I'm surprised that more of these aren't reported as UFOs because they occur in the early evening when many people are still outside. (I know, there are early morning occurrences also.)

Since the Iridium satellites are in polar orbits, they must be quite a sight when observed closer to the poles. Anyone know? Or is their orientation such that they don't reflect the sunlight back on the Earth?

[NEOWatcher]

I'm surprised that more of these aren't reported as UFOs because they occur in the early evening when many people are still outside.
But they are also rare and short. Plus, they don't seem to be long enough to exhibit any kind of movement that can be hyped.

Although; I can understand what you are saying, because the first time I saw one (probably a -8) I had no clue what it was, and didn't even know where to start guessing.


Since the Iridium satellites are in polar orbits, they must be quite a sight when observed closer to the poles.
Why would that be. They are up above the atmosphere where the light wont be different, and the reflection still goes through the same amount of atmosphere. Maybe the air is clearer near the poles, but that's about it.


Or is their orientation such that they don't reflect the sunlight back on the Earth?
I would think that the time of the pass would be more important to how the reflection hits since everything is in motion.

[Tucson_Tim]

Why would that be. They are up above the atmosphere where the light wont be different, and the reflection still goes through the same amount of atmosphere. Maybe the air is clearer near the poles, but that's about it.


Sorry, I was thinking of the number of sightings. Since they are all in polar orbits*, if you were very close to the pole during the "winter", all 66+ of them would pass over (or close to you) every hour or so as opposed to the half dozen or so that I can view each week.

*ETA: I'm not sure they are all in perfect polar orbits . . .

ETA: From wiki:


The constellation requires 66 active satellites in orbit to complete its constellation and additional spare satellites are kept in-orbit to serve in case of failure.[1] Satellites are in low Earth orbit at a height of approximately 485 miles (780 km) and inclination of 86.4°.