Abnormal flashing object in SoCal
As an avid skywatcher since birth (51 hrs), I take pride in my recognition skills concerning flying objects. While relaxing on my back porch after a long day of work I noticed what appeared to be a flashing satellite. The trajectory was circumpolar and velocity was consistant with average satellites. The object was first noticed at the zenith. The first flash was of approximately -6 magnitude brightness and lasted 3 seconds. So far this seemed normal for a rotating solar paneled satellite. Every 22 seconds the object flashed at a consistent magnitude until it disappeared over the northern horizon.
The odd thing is the flashing was consistent brightness as though the light was radiating all directions. Normal rotating satellites will flash at most twice before the change in orbital position relative to the observer makes the solar panels flash to a single spot on the earth's surface. The next flash would be hundreds of miles away from the observer one would think.
This is the first time I’ve seen this phenomenon and have seen thousands of satellites in my skywatching. This is my 23rd unexplainable sighting of aerial phenomena.
((NUFORC Note: Witness elects to remain totally anonymous; provides no contact information. PD))
As an avid skywatcher since birth (51 hrs), I take pride in my recognition skills concerning flying objects. While relaxing on my back porch after a long day of work I noticed what appeared to be a flashing satellite. The trajectory was circumpolar and velocity was consistant with average satellites. The object was first noticed at the zenith. The first flash was of approximately -6 magnitude brightness and lasted 3 seconds. So far this seemed normal for a rotating solar paneled satellite. Every 22 seconds the object flashed at a consistent magnitude until it disappeared over the northern horizon.
The odd thing is the flashing was consistent brightness as though the light was radiating all directions. Normal rotating satellites will flash at most twice before the change in orbital position relative to the observer makes the solar panels flash to a single spot on the earth's surface. The next flash would be hundreds of miles away from the observer one would think.
This is the first time I’ve seen this phenomenon and have seen thousands of satellites in my skywatching. This is my 23rd unexplainable sighting of aerial phenomena.
((NUFORC Note: Witness elects to remain totally anonymous; provides no contact information. PD))
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Santa Barbara
USA
5 minutes
5 minutes
34.43
-119.72
flash
CA
Occurred : 8/6/2019 20:45 (Entered as : 08/06/19 20:45) Reported: 8/7/2019 5:25:35 PM 17:25 Posted: 8/23/2019 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Shape: Flash Duration: 5 minutes Characteristics: There were lights on the object
Abnormal flashing object in SoCal. ((anonymous report))