Perseid/Stellafane/NOSS FAQ

Walter Nissen (dk058@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Mon, 19 Aug 1996 10:57:51 -0400

worden@uts.cc.utexas.edu (Sue J. Worden) writes: 
>    > Can a FAQ section provide annual updates of "predictions"? 
 
> I don't know what you mean by "annual updates of 'predictions'". 
> However, unless there is great interest on SeeSat-L in pursuing 
> this, I suggest that further discussion be continued on UseSat-L 
> and/or privately with the owners of section 10.3. 
 
I think I should have titled my message Perseid/Stellafane/NOSS FAQ.  The 
point being that with 3 NOSS triplets now in orbit, there is an increased 
likelihood that unprepared observers will catch sight of them.  During 
Perseid "week" there are hordes of these potential observers.  Stellafane 
is one prominent gathering, but among many; from individuals to groups of 
hundreds.  This year it seems that one or more of the triplets may well 
have been especially bright at one or more passages.  Did any experienced 
observers estimate them in the 3rd or 4th magnitude range, or brighter? 
One report I saw said they were as bright as the faintest star in the Big 
Dipper.  That would be Megrez, mag 3.44 or 3.33, depending on one's 
source. 
 
It may be that Perseid week would be a good time to distribute info about 
these triplets.  I was half-serious about trying to figure out how to do 
that as a response to a flock of instances of a FAQ. 
 
 
Mike McCants forwards this: 
> USSPACECOM HAS CHANGED THE NAME OF OBJECT 23967 1996 042A, FROM 
> UHF F/OF7 TO UFO 7 (USA 127). 
 
Since when does the Air Force tell the Navy what the Navy's satellites are 
called? 
 
 
Cheers. 
 
Walter Nissen                   dk058@cleveland.freenet.edu 
 
--- 
 
If the night sky does not evoke primeval wonder from you,
then your brain is not yet fully mature.  Give it some exercise.