Superbird-A Observed

J. Lee Blanton (blanton@pe.net)
Sun, 13 Sep 1998 22:48:08 -0700

Hello:

Tonight I observed Superbird A from Temecula, CA.  I didn't acquire it
until it became naked-eye visible at around 0307 UT 14 Sept 1998.  I then
watched it through 7x35 binoculars until it disappeared at 0310 UT.  From
Southern California it appeared at approximately RA 22h 50m and Decl -11
deg., between lambda and tau Aquarius for those using star charts.  The sky
position would be slightly different from other viewing locations.  The
flash period was approximately 22 seconds.

It's pretty interesting to see something so far away.  Thanks to Rob Matson
for posting the cueing information.

Perhaps someone could explain a couple of things:

1. What's the story on the geosync flashers?  I assume that they're
satellites which have exhausted their fuel supplies and are tumbling.  Are
they really geosync or are they in the higher "graveyard" orbit?

2. Why is the flash visibility window so short for Superbird A?  I've seen
another geosync flasher that flashed for hours.

Thanks in advance.
Lee

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J. Lee Blanton                          email:               blanton@pe.net
Temecula, California                    Ph/Voicemail/FAX:    (909) 699-6903
33.502N 117.128W 412m
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