In the future go to <http://www.heavens-above.com> create a free log-in if you 
do not already have one, enter your location ( by any of several means) then go 
to Iridium Flare Forecast.  You may work back or forward for a few days to see 
in what direction and for what times a flare might be visible.   This also 
works for satellites and the ISS including the ISS Toolbag--PLUS the Shuttle 
Orbiter when aloft.

Yes flares are usually seen in afternoon and early morning when closer to the 
horizon; Anytime the solar panels form an angle of incidence that directs 
sunlight to your location.  That is, flares  occur continuously but we only 
observe them when we are at the right location for the light to come our way.

Elton


--- On Sat, 12/13/08, Jerry Flaherty <[email protected]> wrote:

> Are Iridium flares customarily visible in the daytime. What
> I saw this afternoon in the southwest was possibly an
> aircraft but  because it varied in brightness so intensely
> and remained "motionless" for the 10 to 15 seconds
> I observed it, I thought Flare?!
> Jerry Flaherty 
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