The description and time seem to fit perfectly with the predicted flare from
Iridium 58. (I have checked this from "heavens above")
http://www.heavens-above.com

Operational Iridium satellites generally "flare" briefly in the manner
described. They brighten briefly for a few seconds and then fade again.
The one you observed was predicted to be mag -4 - occasionally they can even
brighten to mag -8 though never seen one this bright yet myself.

You may be thinking of the small number of "flashing" Iridium satellites
which are tumbling and therefore disused.

Robert Holdsworth
Wainuiomata
New Zealand
41.261S
147.947E





"Merv" wrote in message
...
Went outside at 0931.GMT 31/9/2004 and looking overhead saw an extremely
bright object. Brighter than
Zarya (Space Station)

It did not flash like an Iridium would, but was very bright, quickly
fading.
It then became obscured
by cloud.

It appeared to be in a Polar orbit travelling south.

Orbitron showed Iridium 58 as being in the location, but I always thought
they were characterised by almost stroboscopic flashing.

I'm located at Adelaide, South Australia: 35,00S 138.32E

Merv.