RadarSat

Jeffrey C. Hunt (jhunt@eagle1.eaglenet.com)
Mon, 6 Nov 1995 20:05:25 -0500 (EST)

I Briefly observed RADARSAT (95059A) this evening (22:55 UTC 6 Nov) for the
first time in less than ideal conditions.  The sun was 10 deg. below the
horizon, the moon was full and there was a very high, thin scattered cloud
layer.  I needed my 7x50 binoculars to spot it.  At it's maximum altitude
it was located in the western sky with a calculated astronomical phase
angle of approximately 100 deg. which contributed to its poor reflectivity.
Perhaps my eyes were playing tricks with me but I believed I saw a
relatively high flash rate (several times a second).  I estimate the
brightness at -6 mag. for this pass.  Perhaps the 15 meter long radar
antenna contributes to that effect.  I hope others can verify this flashing
effect.
Jeff Hunt <jhunt@eagle1.eaglenet.com> 38.51N 76.76W