It was probably a meteor, but while viewing the International Space Station we saw something unusual.
My son and I were outside tonight to view the International Space Station as it passed overhead. At approx. 8:55 central time we spotted the ISS. Almost instantly below it a light flicked into view and shot across the sky. Shot is not really the correct word. It did not seem very fast. It was very unusual that we saw this possible meteor at the same the ISS came into view. This meteor was also perpendicular to the ISS. Another unusual thing is I thought meteors usually entered the atomsphere from the east heading west. This one entered low from the north heading south. Here is the viewing info for the ISS from the NASA site ISS Sat Apr 12/08:54 PM 2 min 24 degrees max elev 11 degrees approach above NNW 24 above NE This might help to solve this small mystery. My house blocked out most of the mystery lights travel, so I am not sure how far it went. I can tell you from the time it appeared it was steady and not blinking and it traveled straight across the sky, not appearing to change in elevation at all. I guess it is possible for a meteor to enter the atomsphere at an elevation lower than the ISS travels.
My son and I were outside tonight to view the International Space Station as it passed overhead. At approx. 8:55 central time we spotted the ISS. Almost instantly below it a light flicked into view and shot across the sky. Shot is not really the correct word. It did not seem very fast. It was very unusual that we saw this possible meteor at the same the ISS came into view. This meteor was also perpendicular to the ISS. Another unusual thing is I thought meteors usually entered the atomsphere from the east heading west. This one entered low from the north heading south. Here is the viewing info for the ISS from the NASA site ISS Sat Apr 12/08:54 PM 2 min 24 degrees max elev 11 degrees approach above NNW 24 above NE This might help to solve this small mystery. My house blocked out most of the mystery lights travel, so I am not sure how far it went. I can tell you from the time it appeared it was steady and not blinking and it traveled straight across the sky, not appearing to change in elevation at all. I guess it is possible for a meteor to enter the atomsphere at an elevation lower than the ISS travels.
No
Yes
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Off
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No
Spring
USA
5 to 10 seconds
5 to 10 seconds
30.10
-95.47
light
TX
Occurred : 4/12/2008 20:55 (Entered as : 04/12/08 20:55) Reported: 5/19/2008 9:18:53 PM 21:18 Posted: 6/12/2008 Location: Spring, TX Shape: Light Duration: 5 to 10 seconds Characteristics: There were aircraft in the vicinity or aircraft chasing the object
It was probably a meteor, but while viewing the International Space Station we saw something unusual.