2003-09-01 - Mount Rainier Nat'l Park, WA - Unknown

Bright point of light flashing on and then off at irregular intervals

We were camping at Cougar Rock campground in Mt Rainier N.P. The campground is on the south side of Mt. Rainier. At approx. 12:30-12:45 AM we were laying down in our tent looking at satellites and stars. Our tent is mostly clear, see-thru netting. A very, bright large point of light flashed on for perhaps 1 second or less and then faded. It appeared to be white with a tinge of yellow. It happened at least 8 more times or so at approx. 1 - 2 minute irregular intervals. The event took place in approx. the East to SE sky (relative to us) and approx. 70 - 80 degrees off the horizon. The light appeared each time in the approx. same area. We had tree outlines for reference. The light would "blink" on and then seem to do a quick "fade". Our last sighting was of the light turning "on" but much dimmer this time and approx. 2 -3 degrees to the approx. south of the original clusters. Sky conditions were clear with scattered thin cirrus. No moon. No northern lights. Mars was way, way to the SW from our sighting. I assumed that it was perhaps a satellite using thrusters to change orbit, but reading now that there were several similar sightings in Washington State just recently, has me wondering.