Re: 2 sightings

Tony Vinci wrote:
> 
> (1) Last evening (Wed.14th @ 1937 PDT) I witnessed my first
> Iridium flare. It was Iridium 17 and was quite impressive.
> Flare occurred exactly on time as per Heavens-Above and
> was quite bright for 6-7 secs. and then steadily decreased
> and disappeared completely in about 10 more secs.  I had
> never really tried to see one before but will do so more
> often from now on.  There is a daytime flare scheduled for
> Sun. 19th a little after 3 pm (my location Las Vegas, NV)
> and I am looking forward to seeing that one.

Daytime flares are hard to see even with H-A's predictions.

I have seen two out of a dozen or more attempts.

A few pointers:

1. Only try those that are well away from the Sun.
2. Recheck the H-A prediction close to the time. They may have been adjusted
3. It has to be a perfectly clear sky.
4. Have your watch exactly synchronised to the time.
5. 5-10 minutes before hand, get your direction exact as possible; use a compass.
6. Get your height as exact as possible; 10 degrees is the width of your
fist at your out-stretched arm.
7. Have the spot worked out in the sky.
8. Watch your time. When 10 seconds out, do a countdown while watching
the spot, not your watch.
9. The flare is visible for about 2 seconds. By the time you say "there
it is", it is gone.
10. Expect to be disappointed that you missed it.

-- 
Larry Brash