Yesterday evening, Russell Eberst observed an unidentified satellite, in a low orbit, apparently near decay. Here is the relevant extract from his observation report: 2420 0201 0.211 1204 10 9900000 172901.99 072207+483853 3.8 3.8 0 S 9900000 172916.83 063918+360306 7.1 7.1 0 E I have fit the following circular orbit to Russell's points: Unk 020110 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.1 v 1 72010U 02010.72849525 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 08 2 72010 62.7800 246.9010 0000001 0.0000 108.4890 16.26625540 94 Note that Russell's second point was observed in the penumbra. Using the above elements, my ephemeris generator puts the second point just inside the penumbra. This suggests to me that the orbit is indeed roughly circular. The std mag of 7.1 suggests a small object, probably debris. Due to its low altitude, it is readily visible to the unaided eye under favourable circumstances. I suggest using this elset for search purposes; the decay term is my wild guess: 1 72010U 02010.72849525 .03000000 00000-0 89518-3 0 05 2 72010 62.7800 246.9010 0001000 0.0000 108.4890 16.26625540 94 If the object is recovered, I believe its hobbyist designation would become 90011 / 02510A. Ted Molczan ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www.satellite.eu.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jan 11 2002 - 11:34:36 EST