Iridium 38 On Camera
James Husnay Sr. (jhusnay@scsinet.com)
Thu, 15 Apr 1999 07:37:01 -0400
Caught my 1st Iridium on cam-cord this morning at 1X.
Experimenting with small 3 1/2" mounted numerical 0 to 90 degree angle
finder with an accuracy of 1/2 of 1 degree.
Results: excellent for elevation angle. Base has 45 degree angle cuts
perfect for down the barrel line of sighting.
Used hand held JVC VHS. Had to move camera slightly (about 3 degrees)
for azimuth angle. Planning to mount compass alongside the mounted angle
finder. Hopefully the combination will put me right on and allow me to
eventually increase to 12X.
Today's results: I'm satisfied: Looks like a great Supernova in twilight
as there was no primary brightening or dimming; to bad it couldn't have
lasted longer. Used tree line for authenticity when I show the
unsuspected.
Satellite: Iridium 38
Antenna (MMA): Right
Flare center is at: 43.052°N, 76.272°W
Distance to center: 12.4 km (7.7 miles)
At my location your 05:46:12 / Magnitude: -4
At center 05:46:14 / -7
Elevation: 27° / at center 27°
Azimuth: 23° (NE) / 23° (NE)
Mirror angle: 0.4° / 0.0
Thursday, 15 April, 1999
Location: Syracuse (43.061°N, 76.120°W)
Time Zone: EDT (GMT - 4:00)