Observations, Ofeq-3 and others

Robert Sheaffer (sheaffer@netcom.com)
Fri, 4 Apr 1997 20:03:32 -0800

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., 
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