Re: Violet Satellite Appearance

From: Russell Eberst (eberst@blueyonder.co.uk)
Date: Tue Aug 10 2010 - 07:39:40 UTC

  • Next message: Jim Nix: "JN 9633 obs August 10"

    On 10/08/2010 05:33, Chris Zietkiewicz wrote:
    > On Sunday evening I observed a violet appearing satellite.  A portion of the
    > track was captured with a DSLR and can be seen here.
    >
    >
    >
    > http://www.flickr.com/photos/52513173@N03/
    >
    >
    >
    > I also observed this object through binoculars and verified the violet
    > appearance; this was not a digital camera color mapping error.  Note that
    > the color saturation is stronger in the image than seen by direct
    > observation most likely due to a "VIVID" camera optimization setting.  I
    > have not been able to identify this satellite; perhaps others have seen this
    > colored satellite before and can make a rapid identification.
    >
    >
    >
    > The violet appearing satellite was captured on August 8, 2010 in North
    > Central Colorado near Estes Park (Lat.=N40.27941 Long.=W105.35824
    > Elev.=2073m).  I did not see the initial portion of the track so I cannot
    > provide a maximum elevation and bearing.  I am in the process of matching
    > the star field but do not have any results to share at this time.  What I do
    > know accurately is the starting time for the photographed track.  The
    > shutter opened at 2314.03 +/- 5 seconds local time (MDT = GMT-0600) by a GPS
    > disciplined clock.  The satellite continued out of the frame before the 30
    > sec shutter time elapsed but I expect that it would end at a N or NNE
    > bearing.  The approx. camera direction was 330 degrees (i.e. NNW) with an
    > elevation angle between 20 and 40 degrees.  Captured with a Nikon D70, 35mm
    > 1:2 lens, 30 sec exposure, and long exp NR=OFF (bat low).
    >
    >
    >
    > I could not find any discussion of violet satellites on the SATOBS.org site.
    > Can anyone explain the unusual color?  I recall a recent discussion about
    > red satellites so I hope this observation is not too far off topic.  Thank
    > you in advance for any thoughts anyone has to share.
    >
    >
    >    
    Hi Chris,
      The image field is in Hercules. Obvious triangle (left centre) is Rho, 
    Pi, and 69 Herculis. Vega at
    top of picture. A point on track is about R.A. = 16hr, 48 mins, Dec = 
    +46.8 (1950.0).
    
    regards
    Russell
    
    
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