RE: Iridium Flares to End?
Wayne T Hally (meteors@eclipse.net)
Thu, 12 Aug 1999 19:57:02 -0400
That's the scary part for astronomers. If the Iridium Consortium just gives
up on them, there will be random Mag 0 to -8 flares across the sky at any
time. Yes, they are predictable to a certain extent by their orbits, but an
uncontrolled satellite can produce a flare at any time, anywhere along it's
orbit when the dark/sunlit geometry is favorable. It will be a nightmare
for astrophotography, and especially meteor observing. I know some of you
think I am whining, but believe me, for every amateur astronomer to be
required to have a working satellite prediction program with current TLE's
is a logistical nightmare. I know it doesn't seem like it to this audience,
but for myself as a meteor observer, I have 2 to 3 objects a night I have
to check out that might be point meteors (heading directly toward you,
hence no motion) or flashes and or flares. Many people don't have the time
to spare so they will just give up. The amount of work required to do so
will discourage many future observers. The Iridium Consortium should under
no circumstances be allowed to abandon these satellites and leave them in
uncontrolled configurations. It's just another really ugly form of light
pollution.
My 85 cents worth,
Wayne
----------
From: Ron Lee[SMTP:ronlee@pcisys.net]
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 1999 7:42 PM
To: SeeSat-L@blackadder.lmsal.com
Subject: Iridium Flares to End?
Seems that the Iridium folks defaulted on about $1.5 billion (US).
I do not know what will happen but you may consider looking at
nice flares soon just in case.
Ron Lee