Re: Light Curve from Satellite Trail

From: Björn Gimle at ComHem (b.gimle@comhem.se)
Date: Fri Jan 11 2008 - 07:43:44 UTC

  • Next message: Bob Christy: "RE: Light Curve from Satellite Trail"

    >I agree to some extent Björn , especially in the case of structures like 
    >ISS where we see obvious shadowing from the large solar arrays....but that 
    >shadowing is only noticed when we look at images taken at high 
    >magnification.From the ground the naked eye observer wouldnt really be 
    >aware
    
    I don't follow your argument here - if (a substantial) part of the satellite
    is (more than usual) shadowed, the total magnitude would be reduced.
    > .
    >
    > L5 and possibly 3 and 4 seem to have  a more "on / off" ability to change 
    > brightness.
    >
    > In some reports it is muted that MISTY used some sort of inflatable device 
    > to cloak itself....I think that highly unlikely....but rather it used a 
    > simply mechanical system and so too  Lacrosse . Perhaps light absorbing , 
    > non reflective panels which encase the outer structure when required. Of 
    > course if that was the case , why not leave the panels in situ all the 
    > time to stop the satellite reflecting at all.
    >
    If the casing is non-reflective, it absorbs light AND heat, and if close
    to the satellite, how would the satellite be cooled?
    A detached panel, shading the Sun, would serve both purposes
    (and it could even be the solar panel - or radar antenna)
    
    
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