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It's an iridium flare, that's what they do! It's a reflection of the Sun off a very shiny surface. At max brightness you're getting max reflection. Looks like this IRL:
I've just found out they're going to end soon as the satellites are being de-orbited :(
http://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/iridium-flares-cease-end-2018
get out and see them while you can! They are predictable and there are several per night usually. It's a strange experience to pinpoint a location in the sky and see the flare happen precisely on time; it's one of the rare situations where you can see real proof that you live on a ball with things constantly flying around in orbit
frankenbike
NotThamesWater
Great stuff as always. How come the top one's trail seems to brighten and fade but the lower trail is more consistent?