Iridium 5/61 Observations

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Long time lurker, first time posting...

Caught Iridium 5 and 61 within 3 minutes of each other tonight. Location
was Cumberland Knob Recreaction Area on Blue Ridge Parkway (36.55N
-80.90W).  Limiting magnitude at observations - 4.5.  Passes were
recorded on video with WWV in background and still photos.  Times below
are from video.

05-06-1998
01:39:04 - 01:39:47 (UT)
Iridium 5
1 24795U 97020D   98125.13602068  .00000011  00000-0 -28776-5 0  1862
2 24795  86.4141 356.4781 0003420  32.5737 327.5669 14.36937813 52362/ 

IRIDFLAR Predicted  = -4.2
Peak Flare Observed = -4.0 (?)

Notes: Long, slow flare and fade
01:39:04  Located in 10x70 Binocs
01:39:16  Naked eye object
01:39 26  matched Arcturus 
01:39:38  Peak
01:39:47  +2.0


05-06-1998
01:42:00 - 01:42:30 (UT)
Iridium 61
1 25263U 98018B   98125.49533201 +.00000432 +00000-0 +86263-4 0 01008
2 25263 086.5427 356.2596 0003096 117.7369 242.4165 14.59544465005950

IRIDFLAR Predicted  = -8.5
Peak Flare Observed = -8.0(?)

Notes: Much more on line with "standard" Iridium flare
01:42:00  Located in 10x70 Binocs
01:42:18  matched Arcturus 
01:42:26  Peak
01:42:30  +2.0

Jeff Poplin
King, NC
36.29N -80.32W 250m

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