One of the last Iridium flares

Bright streak of iridium flare in dark starry sky, plus inset showing orbital paths over Earth and sky maps.

View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Bright iridium flare, with an inset showing the track of the Iridium satellite over the photographer’s location. Michael Holland Sr. in Lakeland, Florida, wrote: “I was able to capture one of the few remaining Iridium satellites that have the ability to reflect (flare) under the right conditions. February 25, 2019 @ 8:08 p.m. EST looking NNE.” Thanks, Michael!

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.