Subject: Visual Report: Naked-eye detection of GRB 221009A (The BOAT) from Kitigan Zibi, QC
Location: Kitigan Zibi, Quebec (Bortle 2/3 sky)
Date/Time: October 9, 2022 (approx. 13:15 UTC / morning-noon window)
Object: GRB 221009A prompt emission
Observation Report:
I am finally posting this because I struggled to find other visual accounts at the time. While observing under very dark, high-transparency skies in the Gatineau Valley, I witnessed a stationary transient event in the area of Sagitta/Aquila.
Key Details:
- Duration: The event lasted approximately 10 seconds.
- Evolution: It began as a pinpoint “new star” that quickly reached peak brightness (estimated Mag 5.5–5.8). As it peaked, it appeared to “bloom” or grow slightly (likely a saturation/halo effect in the clear air).
- Color Shift: Most notably, I observed a distinct reddening of the source as it reached the end of its 10-second window before fading below the naked-eye limit.
- Conditions: Zero light pollution, away from all artificial sources.
I initially had trouble finding data to verify this, as most reports focus on satellite saturation or radio disturbances. However, the 10-second duration and the reddening (consistent with galactic extinction at that latitude) match the light curve data for “The BOAT” perfectly.
Did anyone else in high-latitude, dark-sky sites catch the prompt optical flash? I’d love to compare notes with other visual observers.