When was the last Iridium flare?

Do Iridium flares still happen?

Bottom line: The beloved glints of Iridium flares are nearly gone from Earth's night skies, as the original set of 66 Iridium communications satellites have been decommissioned and are being allowed to re-enter Earth's atmosphere. The final launch of 10 Iridium NEXT satellites is targeted for January 8, 2019.

When can I see an Iridium flare?

As the Iridium constellation consists of 66 working satellites, Iridium flares are visible quite often (2–4 times per night). Flares of brightness −5 magnitude occur 3–4 times per week; −8 magnitude may be visible 3–5 times per month for stationary observers.

Are any Iridium satellites still in orbit?

Iridium now has 75 satellites in orbit — 66 operational plus nine spares — and six spares on the ground. Desch said Iridium projects a lifespan of 15 years or more for the Iridium Next satellites.

What causes Iridium flares?

Known as Iridium flares, the brief but dramatically bright flashes are predictable night sky events easily seen with the naked eye, even under heavily light-polluted city skies. The flares are caused by sunlight bouncing off Iridium communication satellites, a constellation of 72 probes launched between 1997 and 2002.

Do satellites flash red?

Aircraft, even at very high altitudes are going to be lit with strobes and navigation lights. If you look closely, usually with binoculars you will see red and green wingtip lights, a white beacon, and a flashing strobe. A satellite is lit only by the reflection of sunlight. It has no lights on it.

Can satellites blink in the sky?

Satellite flare, also known as satellite glint, is a satellite pass visible to the naked eye as a brief, bright "flare". It is caused by the reflection toward the Earth below of sunlight incident on satellite surfaces such as solar panels and antennas (e.g., synthetic aperture radar).

How many Iridium satellites are there?

75 satellites The Iridium constellation consists of 75 satellites (66 operational and 9 in-orbit spares) that are cross-linked in space just 780 kilometers above Earth.

What are the brightest satellites?

BRIGHTEST SATELLITES