Re: Observing from Iowa

From: Bjoern Gimle@GlocalNet (Gimle@GlocalNet)
Date: Sat Jun 27 2009 - 10:23:51 UTC

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    After failing at 45 deg alt, I found 05731 METEOR 1-10  going down in the S
    in DIR=190 degrees (relative to current "up")
    just 2s ahead of 27665 DELTA 2 R/B   in DIR=290
    
    This illustrates my thesis that, for ID purposes, it is much more accurate
    to describe the motion relative to your vertical in the binocular field,
    than the (more or less) cardinal directions where it might hit the horizon.
    
    Also, you should try to circle the satellites to find any close,
    recognizable star (cluster, nebula) and, failing that, briefly look
    above the binoculars to determine the position among stars.
    
    I have not yet succeeded in the E 10:29.
    At 50 deg you had beta/gamma Lyrae, so it would be good to know where in relation to these 
    it passed!
    
    /Björn
    
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: <k4hsm@knology.net>
    
    At 10:26 central time (GMT-5 I believe), to my south, (my coords, 41.2100°N, 93.8460°W) I 
    witnessed a polar orbiting satellite traveling south, when another
    satellite traveling northeast passed real close by within my field of view.  Both birds 
    were mag 4-6 range, viewed only thru binoculars (some light pollution at the
    home I'm staying) and about 45 degrees altitude, again, almost due south.
    
    Then just 3 minutes later (10:29 Central) to my east, about 50 degrees altitude a polar 
    orbiting bird traveling south, and one traveling north came close together.
    
    I wish I'd been better prepared, because I've seen several low magnitude polar-orbiting 
    birds, and one flare from iridium 30 at 10:34 Central.
    
    
    
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