Milstar DFS 1 search elset
Ted Molczan (molczan@fox.nstn.ca)
Tue, 23 Jul 1996 19:26:59 -0400
Here is a search elset for Milstar DFS 1, based on 120 deg W, zero
deg inclination and near-circular orbit.
The object is well above the horizon for a large part of North
America. I have noted that the observations of DFS 2 were made when
the object was nearly fully illuminated, so that might be a good
strategy for DFS 1.
Searchers should allow several degrees uncertainty in azimuth and
elevation, in case the orbit is inclined, as DFS 2 appears to be.
The size and derived standard magnitude were arrived at by trial
and error, to roughly fit the DFS 2 observations. The object
has been reported as bright as mag 6.5 and as faint as mag 9.
So if you don't see at first, try again at, say, 30 min intervals.
A brief photographic exposure of the area may reveal the object as
a point of light, among star trails. Perhaps someone can provide
technical advice on how best to do such photography.
Milstar DFS 1 50.0 0.0 0.0 -0.0
1 22988U 94009 A 96206.00000000 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 07
2 22988 0.0000 182.0000 0000001 0.0000 0.0000 1.00270100 04
Happy hunting!
Ted