Ume 1 (08709)

2002/2/24 19:10 EST I observed the flaring Japanese satellite UME1 (08709) with binoculars from Squirrel Hill. The prediction from Heaves-Above.com was quite accurate. Like with Starshine 2, I couldn't see the Ume1 satellite itself. But Ume1 flared every few seconds (about 4 seconds?) regularly. The flares were white, about mag. 4, quite conspicuous under binoculars. I observed several flares as Ume1 flew from west to lower south. If you like to see flares, this satellite is more satisfying than Starshines :-)