Suddenly...
Living high in the north latitudes, in a truly rural area (an island, in fact), it gets very dark, very early in the winter. The walk home from the bus stop featured, after a few houses and a church, a long trek through a forested area. No lights in sight, just a sliver of stars through the firs bracketing the road. I loved this walk, the stillness and peace of a chilly winter evening, a quiet time to let ones mind wander.

Suddenly the entire sky lit up! I initially thought that a car was coming down the road, but no - the light was coming from above. Was it the moon, coming out from behind a cloud? No. There was no moon, and the sky had been clear. Was it (gasp!) A nuclear bomb flash? No, it's not a flash - it's a steady, bright light emanating from on high. Could it be, however improbably, a helicopter? No. All was still utterly silent. Could it be, truly improbably, an alien craft? No, ridiculous. Could it be, even more improbably, a sign from God? Don't be daft, I told myself. There's a perfectly reasonable explanation.

Meanwhile, I'm bathed in a ethereal light, arms outstretched, gazing upwards in wonder. Then, just as suddenly, the light was gone, and all was dark again, in fact, even darker, due to the loss of my night vision. I went home with a sense of curiosity, mystery, and general wonderment.

And that's how I found out about Iridium flares, and where to track them. I've since shared the phenomenon with many friends and family, who after being driven to some random location, are directed to step out, hold their arms up, and say the magic words: Let there be light!
(danalan Pretty good, for an amateur., Sat 25 Jul 2009, 2:32, 3 replies)

They're cool aren't they?
I've seen about 5 but never quite as bright as you describe. More like a mag light being held 10 feet above your head. Please remind me how to find the tracking/timing details, I know I've seen them somewhere, but buggered if I can remember.
( Blind Meach Cautiously optimistic, Sat 25 Jul 2009, 9:57, closed)

Iridium Flares
Check out Wikipedia for more info. on this:)
(Barfly, Sat 25 Jul 2009, 21:13, closed)

How to find them
www.heavens-above.com/
(danalan Pretty good, for an amateur., Wed 29 Jul 2009, 16:49, closed)