Help from Minnesota/Michigan?
Matson, Robert (ROBERT.D.MATSON@cpmx.saic.com)
Tue, 13 Oct 1998 13:22:40 -0700
Hi All,
For those following the imminent decay of the Molniya rocket this
evening (October 13th), it would be helpful if someone could observe
it on the rev prior to expected decay. The U.S. track goes nearly
over El Paso, Texas, at about 18:42 CDT, heading north-northeast.
Unfortunately, the sun will not yet have set in El Paso. The track
continues NNE, passing close to Roswell, NM at 18:43 CDT, the
southwest corner of Kansas at 18:44 CDT, Grand Island, Nebraska
at 18:45 CDT, and northwest of Sioux City, Iowa at 18:45:30. Still,
from all these locations, the sun will not yet have set, so the rocket
body will probably only be visible if it is actually reentering early.
Minneapolis has a chance. From there the Molniya rocket makes
a 60-degree culmination pass high in the northwest at 18:46:30 CDT,
moving left-to-right, and the sun has already set. The viewing will be
even better from Duluth, Minnesota at 18:47 CDT where it will be
nearly a zenith pass. And though not nearly as high in the sky, it
will be darker from Marquette, Michigan, where the rocket body
should pass just under the bowl of the Big Dipper at 18:47:30.
On the predicted reentry rev (i.e. the next rev), landfall is just
north of the Bay Area near Bodego Head. Santa Rosa, CA is
very close to the centerline at 18:11:30 PDT. So is Chico, CA
at 18:12. --Rob