Space station

I'm sure there are other people typing this as I do, but Iridium flares are what is seen when one of the Iridium constellation of Sat telephone satellites solar panels reflects the sun onto your spot of the Earths surface when its dark. I am sure other solar powered satellites do this, but the orbits of these are apparently most likely to have the effect. Brian

Sputniks 2 and 3 in my case. Sputnik 1 was insufficiently inclined to the equator to pass over the UK. Also two comets, Arend Roland and Mrkos were naked eye objects in 1957-8.

IIRC a year or two before the introduction of low pressure sodium lamps forever buggered up viewing from Ewell.

The specific interest is that: because the alignment of the antennae is well known, it is possible to predict exactly where and when the flares will be visible on the ground.

Agreed. Although you have to pick your night to get a decent one. And/or give them a list of predictions for the locale that week.

It is good if there is an ISS pass (or another bright satellite) and a small prize for whoever spots the faintest one. There is a lot of space junk up there lurking in low Earth orbit.

Another good night for doing a star gazing is during the Perseid meteor shower where again there tends to be something to see every few minutes.

A green laser to point out the constellations is handy too.

You have to as you can't see them indoors :)