Looked like a standard satellite in orbit that suddenly became larger took on a very bright yellow glow, faded and changed direction.

We were sitting on the deck just after midnight.  Very clear skies, observing stars.  Spotted what appeared to be a satellite, very high up, moving from south to northeast.  Observed for several seconds.  
Object suddenly lit up very brightly, a yellow white light, lasted for several seconds then went back to the pale light it was when first sighted and took a sharp turn west and disappeared.  
Neither of us have ever seen anything like it.  
No we weren't drunk or stoned.  
If I didn't think it was quite remarkable,  I wouldn't have bothered to find this website and write this report.