C* 2306, simultaneous OBS, Thanks!

While observing C* 1328, one of the members of the C* 1933 family of
payloads, the other evening, I momentarily caught sight of a bright (mag 3
or 4) satellite in northern Orion, which proved to be in an orbit very
similar to that of C* 2306, as given here:

C* 2306          2.0  0.0  0.0  6.9
1 23501U 95008  A 95 68.22280119  .00004624  00000-0  18443-3 0    97
2 23501  65.8490 315.3728 0035127 340.7176  19.2624 15.24375139  1027

I presume the identification of this UnID from my log with C* 2306.

In terms of shape, size and inclination, the orbit of C* 2306 does not
seem to closely match that of any other orbiting satellite in my 1000
elset file.  Tho my information on these is exceedingly imperfect, it may
bear a stronger resemblance to former objects:

C* 1788 = 86-83A = 17050
C* 1958 = 88-60A = 19320
C* 1960 = 88-65A = 19338
C* 2002 = 89-12A = 19800
C* 2027 = 89-45A = 20064
C* 2137 = 91-21A = 21190

Or it may not.

One of the longer-term sources of curiosity tweaks in my "satellite life"
is whether satellites at different inclinations belong to the same or
different families in terms of function and visual signature (shape,
rotation, stabilization, and size being obvious determining factors).  I
have previously asked, tho not in this forum, whether there is a
significant difference between those satellites in 82.5 degree inclined
orbits (including the C* 1933 family) and those in 82.9 degree orbits.  I
have never received what I consider to be a definitive answer.  Quite a
few bright satellites orbit at 65 degrees inclination.  On the other hand,
65.8 is perhaps more unusual.

One other query generated by similar considerations is whether an
extensive list of Cosmos satellites organized by family or mission is
available.  I've seen very abbreviated lists, but nothing with a 1000 or
so objects.

Another more specific question of personal interest is whether the Okean
satellites are visually similar to the C* 1933 family.  Based on orbital
characteristics, my own limited observations and the discussion in
"1991-1992 Europe & Asia in Space", I treat them as part of the C* 1933
family, but Nick Johnson and David Rodvold writing there are less than
definitive.

I don't feel qualified to judge Bart's proposal for simultaneous
observations, but it sure looks good to me.  I would like to participate
if I can.  When I was in Silver Spring, MD and my children were in Berea,
OH we were able to simultaneously view Mir and a Progress tug.  Now that I
am in Berea, I could be paired with someone in the DC area, such as Steve
Miller.  Or perhaps someone in Boston or Pittsburgh (Hi, Rob).

I thank those who have responded very helpfully to my Mir transit inquiry
and hope to prepare a response soon.

I also would like to thank Ted Molczan who (I think) provided the elset
above, Dr. T. S. Kelso who operates the Celestial BBS (and probably
provided the elset to Ted), and the people of the OIG at NASA Goddard,
Adam Johnson, Brent and Sarma; all of whom have provided long-term yeoman
service in distributing elsets.  Certainly, all of us owe all of you a
large debt of gratitude.  I won't use a lot of bandwidth saying so, but
these thanks are due on a continuing basis.

And thanks to you for information on these subjects.

Cheers.