That's an excellent answer to a poorly written question.. :-)) Try this instead.. A while back.. Decaying sat.. There was high uncertainty until we got enough binocular observations.. Once that happened, I could get it passing thru my 1.5 deg x 2 deg telescope FOV.. So the better question is, is USA 212 known well enough to be "on track" or should I forget the telescope and use the binocs for now?? Derek PS.. Tonight WILL be binocs, as the scope is packed.. -----Original Message----- From: seesat-l-bounces+breit_ideas=poyntsource.com@satobs.org [mailto:seesat-l-bounces+breit_ideas=poyntsource.com@satobs.org] On Behalf Of Ted Molczan Sent: Friday, May 28, 2010 6:42 AM To: SeeSat-L@satobs.org Subject: RE: Updated X-37B OTV-1 elements Derek Breit asked: > A Question... Are Binocular observations of this object still needed?? Accurate observations of all objects are always needed, regardless of observing method. In the orbital analyses, observations made using binoculars, telescopes and cameras co-exist very well. With my 25x100 binoculars, I find that I achieve reasonable accuracy observing transits between pairs of stars well under 1 deg apart, and very good accuracy with ~0.2 deg pairs or closer. Appulses of ~0.03 deg or less also yield good results. If the orbital elements are reasonably accurate, I review each pass in advance to get an idea of the quality of available star pairs and appulses. If I know that a pass will offer several transits of close pairs and/or close appulses, that are likely to be visible in the expected sky conditions, then I may skip some of the less favourable stars I encounter. I always plan to intercept the satellite at the first good transit or appulse, to improve my probability of making at least one accurate observation. Since the first stars are known, I need not record or try to memorize any subsequent ones I use, because ObsReduce will help me find them, based on the time of the observation, and taking into account the difference between observed and predicted time of the first observation. There is no one right way to make binocular observations, and no two observers use exactly the same method, yet skilled observers tend to achieve similar accuracy. Ted Molczan _______________________________________________ Seesat-l mailing list http://mailman.satobs.org/mailman/listinfo/seesat-l _______________________________________________ Seesat-l mailing list http://mailman.satobs.org/mailman/listinfo/seesat-l
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