MIR
Eduardo Aldridge Vukusic (edward@entelchile.net)
Mon, 22 Feb 1999 22:33:01 -0400
Hi, Everybody
I'm new in sat viewing and just saw a wonderful pass of MIR, just a
minute and seconds ahead (21:34 Local) of predicted time (both Skymap 63
and STSPlus predicted 21:36 Local for max. visibility), with a magnitude
of at least -2, and although it wasn't completely dark -- the sun is
setting now at almost 21:00 local-- and only Siruis, Rigel, Procyon,
Betelgeuse and Aldebaran were visible, it was much brighter than Sirius
and passed "touching" Betelgeuse on its way to the east. It was a
wonderful sight.
It should be round again at 23:11 according to STSPlus, so I presume it
will be a couiple of minutes before. Why does it appear in advance to
the program? Is this normal? I have seen ISS passing before but quite
in time with the programs. I have elsets released last Thursday 18 Feb.
which I consider not old enough to produce such a difference. Maybe
there could be other reasons. It would be interesting to know.
Thanks
Edward
-53.15 -71.04 (53°S 71°W)