Mir seen at -0.8 degree?

Ron Lee (ronlee@pcisys.net)
Sat, 28 Dec 1996 17:54:58 -0700 (MST)

Tried again on 29 Dec 96 to observe Mir rise and set on the
horizon during the pass starting at 00:17 UT.

Too light to observe the rise so I waited to catch it during
the high elevation pass.  Picked it up and began tracking in
7x50 binocs.

Watched as it descended through thin clouds near the horizon.
As it emerged in clear sky was easy to follow.  Last sighting
as I thought it entered more clouds was at 00:27:33 UT +/- 2
secs.

Came back and ran STSPLUS with current elements and it shows
start of shadow entry at 00:27:30 with umbra entry at 00:27:51.

SKYMAP confirms an approx -0.5 degree at final sighting.

My position is 104.5614 W, 38.9478 N and 2073 m (UT-7) if anyone 
wants to provide any inputs.  Seems that my goal of seeing Mir
below 1 degree has been achieved.  Now will try for -1 degree!

Ron Lee