Molniya 3-48 r obs, 10 Jan 97

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>Molniya 3-48 r   7.5  2.6  0.0  5.3 d            232 x 175 km
>1 24641U 96060B   97010.02793143  .02316751  25921-2  56150-3 0 91542
>2 24641  62.7907 220.1044 0043930 127.9287 232.4684 16.25935515 12282

Using these elements, I observed the object pass underneath Fomalhaut 
at 2:14:48.7 UT on 10 Jan 97. RA 22h 57.4 m, dec -29 deg 46 min (J2000)

My position 104.5614 w, 38.9478 N, 2073 m.

Despite a low elevation (14 deg) pass in the SW after sunset, and 
some light cloud cover, it was easily seen in 7x50  binocs.

I was impressed by the obvious speed..faster than any other satellite
I have observed.   Flash pattern was not discerned well enough
but possible main flash period about 15 secs.

The elements were RIGHT ON!   Graci Alan

Will try to view on other passes but a storm is approaching

Ron Lee

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