Ron's new flasher

Eberst (eberst@cableinet.co.uk)
Sat, 19 Apr 1997 16:59:42 +0100

I have seen 97-12A on 3 passes, all at poor phase angles. It has been steady
in all cases. I don't think the flashing object seen by Ron is either the
"B" or "C" piece.  I guess that it is uncatalogued (or was at the time of
Ron's observation) and will shortly appear in the catalog as piece "D" or even
"E".  This is based on the experience with previous U.S. polar weather
satellites,
for example 94-57A, when both Peter Wakelin and I both spotted a fast flashing
'companion' to the payload, which only later appeared in the catalog as 94-57E.
Well done Ron.
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best wishes    Russell  Eberst        North:  55 degrees, 56 minutes, 55 seconds
              West:    3 degrees,  8 minutes, 18 seconds     43metres (150 feet)
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