Observations, Friday Evening April 4 (1997 April 5 UT) 03:24 #17974 Cosmos 1844 rocket seen, M at least 3 (3.6 predicted from standard magnitude in element set.) 03:29:10 Culmination of #23549, Ofeq-3. Last night I searched for this object (predicted magnitude 4) without success. Tonight I looked again, and found out why. First, it is running 20 seconds ahead of its predicted position. Second, it is about 2 to 2.5 magnitudes fainter than predicted; actual magnitude about 6 or fainter. The standard magnitude on this object must be wrong. 03:39 Approximate end of the "Superbird Show" (brilliant flashes from rotating dead geosync #20040). One flash definitely seen naked eye, at least magnitude 2. This show is getting a little bit later each evening. Robert Sheaffer - robert@debunker.com - Skeptical to the Max! my new GPS tells me I'm at 37 deg 17.3' N., 121 deg 59.2' west (San Jose, CA) Visit my Home Page - http://www.debunker.com/~sheaffer Skeptical Resources Debunking All Manner of Bogus Claims Also: Opera / Astronomy / Mens Issues / more