I observed Tips this morning Aug 20, 1996 (for the first time). Using 7x50 binoculars, I finally picked it up in the SSE heading slowly toward the NE. I was using the binocs entirely for fear of losing it so my view was limited to approximately 7 deg. I didn't time it until it intercepted the first resonably bright star (expected to be Alph Tau (Aldebaran) at 08:39:45 UT, Ra 4h 36m, Dec 16 deg. 30m). Interception came at 08:39:40 UT but unfortunately at this point I'm not certain if it was Alpha Tal or Beta Tal. The two stars show definitely different colors but my recollection is that the intercepted star was the color of Beta Tau (white). If the interception was Alpha Tau, (slightly orange and at Ra 5h 26m, Dec 28 deg 36m), then the prediction was only off by approximately 5 seconds as given by the elements in the 30 day old epoch noted below. If the interception was Beta Tal then the prediction was off by over a minute. I suspect it was Alpha Tal so that the prediction was nearly on time based on the epoch given below. I was unable to aquire Tips again after looking at my watch due to the increasing phase angle. My program (SatSpy) showed TiPS to be only 40% illuminated at its interception with Alpha Tau. I would estimate the TiPS tether at Mag 7 or 8 as averted vision made it easier to view. The straight tether was nearly vertical, the top end tilted 10 deg. to the left. I could not discern Ralph or Norton. I hope additional observation reports will show that the elements for the below 30 day old epoch are still reasonably accurate. A very interesting object to see. Sorry for not being absolutely certain what star it intercepted. Another reason to have a stopwatch. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Jeff Hunt, Charlotte Hall, Md. 38.51N, 76.76W E-mail: jhunt@eagle1.eaglenet.com