Re: re: STS-73 Entry 2nd Object?
Thomas Ashcraft (72632.1427@compuserve.com)
19 Nov 95 17:15:37 EST
> According to a telephone report from Skeet Vaughn at MSFC Huntsville
> (205-922-5893, email skeet@sferic.msfc.nasa.gov), during the STS-73
> OV-102 'Columbia' entry across the Rockies Sunday morning (Nov 5), a
> team at Socorro, NM observed a faint flickering object preceding the
> Orbiter fireball. Their observation angle was to the north, with an
> elevation of approximately ten degrees above the horizon. They also
> were tracking the Orbiter on radar.
> Corroborative reports from the Taos area (where the passage was more
> overhead) are still being sought.
Greetings.
Regarding the November 5, 1995 re-entry of STS-73:
I observed Columbia from Santa Fe, New Mexico. I didn't visually observe a
second object but must say that I did not have an optimum full horizon to
horizon viewing place.
Perhaps more significantly, I conducted a forward scatter radio observing
experiment and got radio reflections from Columbia as it streaked through my
radio observing range during the 11:27 UT minute. I have a high quality audio
tape of the event complete with WWV time stamp. The shuttle radio reflections
are obvious and distinctive as compared with typical meteor reflections.
I would have to think about it a little further but this audio specimen may
possibly be available for expert analysis.
A further thought: I wonder if a cassette copy of this shuttle re-entry tape
might have trade value as a "research grade audio specimen" or even modest
monetary value as a "space shuttle souvenir".....or something. ?? It's an
intriguing tape in which you can hear random sporadic meteors in the minutes
proceding and then the space shuttle streak-by. The high wind shearing of
Columbia's ionized trail is quite evident and unique to that moment's
conditions. Then all returns to normal continuum with occaisional meteors. It's
a very nice sky recording. I'm seriously thinking about making this tape
available for $18. post paid. Anybody interested in acquiring something like
this? If so, email me! I need to feed my radio telescope. It's hungry.
Thomas Ashcraft 72632.1427@compuserve.com
Radio Fireball Observatory
Santa Fe, New Mexico USA 35 42 N 105 57 W