Björn Gimle wrote: > ... ranged in brightness between mag 0 and 4, typically mag 1 or 2. > > The satellite ranged between mag 4 and 7, typically mag 5 or 6. > > > > When I complete my orbital analysis of this data, I will determine > > standard magnitudes. For now, I suggest std mag 1.7 for the rocket, > > and 9.6 for the payload, > > Why this 7.9 mag diff in std mag? > The observation range diffs are 4-3-4-4! > Rocket observed at long ranges also - satellite only on very > favourable passes? Since there is some interest at this time, I have made a quick analysis of the payload's brightness. SAO reported to have processed 50 observations of Sputnik 1, and rejected 14. Of the 36 published, 7 were flagged as doubtful observations of the payload, and 8 were thought to have been of a possible third piece from the launch. Twelve of the 36 published observations included magnitudes, six of which were considered to have been of the payload. They yield a standard magnitude of about 5.7 (range 1000 km). Since the payload was a specular sphere, I assumed coefficient of phase to have been zero. Eventually, I will plot a scatter diagram of 1000 km vs. phase angle, but I doubt that much more can be learned from such a small data set. Ted Molczan ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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