"Robert Holdsworth" wrote in message
...
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

Thanks to you and others who responded I now know it was an
Iridium I saw. I now realise that they don't just flash quickly.

Merv

"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.