Just wanted to pass along the existence of these events.
I recently found out about them and have now added these events to my camping plans.
These ‘flares’ are a must see when you’re away from all the city lights.
Read about my first flare at http://ubbx.groundspeak.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=5726007311&f=4016058331&m=25760597&r=71060208#71060208
Essentially, the heavens-above site can tell you to the second when a flare will occur when you enter the coordinates of where you’ll be watching from.
The flare itself is actually the 2-second reflection of the sun off of the solar panels of a satellite.
Since the angle of the panels is known, the orbit of the satellite is known, the position of the sun is known, and you know where on the surface of the earth you’ll be watching from, it can be calculated to the second when the path of the reflection will pass over you.
Be sure to read about my first event at the address above and you’ll get a better idea.
I’ve already asked the heavens-above site owners to possibly have a list of flares at the coordinates of the trail’s shelters.
If I’m contacted with these dates/times, I’ll of course pass them along.
More information about flares is at: http://www.heavens-above.com/iridiumhelp.asp
Once you make the effort to be at the right place at the right time and actually manage to see the flare, you’ll be amazed to realize these things happen all the time and you never knew about them. (I also wonder if these could explain away a few ufo sightings)
In any case - happy trails!
Too-Dang