Expert: Ed - 4/29/2005

Question
At approximately 9:30 p.m., Friday April 8th, 2005, my wife, Joy and were hoping to see Jupiter, which I heard was going to be visible in the southeast sky that week. We live in Kansas City so one can only see the very brightest stars due to light pollution. When I first panned the sky I saw only Orion's belt over my right shoulder (or southwest) and a bright star to my right (South). But when I again panned and looked due east-maybe a bit northeast-I saw a bright star (using that word only for reference)I had not seen the first time. I said to my wife, "There's Jupiter!". The moment I said that this 'star' suddenly grew in size and brilliance and then, more slowly, shrank to nothing.  The size difference from start to end-though hard to describe-was like first seeing a tiny pin light that slowly grows to the size of flashlight. Both my wife and I asked each other at the same moment "Did you see that?" This is not a UFO sighting. But it was not a 'falling star' either, Though that is the only naturally occurring event that I can think of that we may have seen. But, if so, we would have had to been viewing its flight path straight on. Like standing on the tracks as the train comes. Is this a likely explanation? I should mention we were not using anything kind of instruments; just our eyes. I do apologize if this is an inappropriate question but I can't rest without knowing something and yours is the only site I've found to ask such a question.

Answer
Jeff,
The phenomenon which you describe sounds very unusual.  I have been trying to think of what it could be, but I'm not having much luck, frankly.  However, if it was as bright, and as striking, as you describe, then there were probably others who noticed the same thing.

In the event that it was a local occurence, I am going to suggest two local organizations which you could contact.  If lots of people saw this phenomenon, then certainly some of them called the local observatories.  Therefore, I suggest that you contact the good folks at the Powell Observatory in Louisburg.  Their phone number is (913)-438-3825.
http://www.askconline.org/powell.htm

If you have no luck there, maybe you could try the Warkoczewski Observatory at UMKC.  Their phone number is (816) 235-1606.  Or, here is a local astronomy professor.  (I'm hoping he's friendly guy).
http://cas.umkc.edu/physics/ashman/profile.html

I'm sorry to "pass the buck," but they give us a strict time limit at AllExperts, and I don't think I'll be able to answer your question in time.  If you have any luck finding the answer, I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me and let me know what you found out.  Now you've got me wondering!

I recommend that you save the text of the way you phrased the question to me.  You asked it very succinctly, and with useful information to provide context.  I think you should ask other people the question in the same manner.

Best regards, and Keep Looking Up!
--Ed