Superbird A flash maxima observed

From: Jason P Hatton (jason.hatton@wanadoo.fr)
Date: Sun Feb 13 2000 - 13:50:52 PST

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    Hi Everyone,
    		Thanks to Rob Matson's recent prediction of flash visibility, I was
    able observed the flash maxima of the bright geoflasher Superbird A
    (89-41A/20040) early this morning. Observing with my 6" telescope the
    primary flashes were initally visible at mag+10 & gradually brightened.
    Secondary flashes became visible approx. 1 minute later. Both primary &
    secondary flashes gradually brightened up to at least mag+3, before
    fading. The flashes were visible in the scope for over 10 minutes, with
    the flashes brighter than magnitude +3 for perhaps two minutes or so. I
    briefly glimpsed the flashes naked eye, despite serious light pollution,
    which appeared as very short sharp flashes.
    
    Here are my timings (13th February 2000);
    First flash visible (mag+10) = 02:51:54.2UT
    Last flash visible =03:02:03.2UT
    
    Mid point flash = 02:57:04.9UT. = flash closest to mid point between the
    first & last visible flashes. Subjectively this was also closest to the
    brightest flashes seen, although very bright flashes were visible at
    least two minutes before & after this time. The flash period was 11.49s
    counted over 1ry & 2ry maxima
    
    89- 41 A 00-02-13            JPH 632.3 0.2  55 11.496 F'f'
    mag+2/+10->inv
    
    Best wishes & clear skies,
    
    Jason
    
    
    Jason P Hatton
    06200 Nice
    France
    
    43.692N, 7.246E,30M
    (43d41'29"N,7d14'47"E,30m)
    
    http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1668/high-alt.htm
    
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