This was a rather momentous observing session tonight. Only two objects but both were unusual. First I noted a 67 degree elevation pass of Mir. I set up the 8" telescope pointing opposite the max elevation azimuth and at a complementary elevation (23 deg). As Mir rose from the NW, I acquired it in the finderscope. After a few adjustments, I finally saw it long enough in the main scope (F/10, 40 mm eyepiece)to see a rectangular object and "possibly" with separation. This is hardly a Ron Dantowitz observation but a first for me. Secondly, I had a predicted 8.5 magnitude lunar flare from Iridium 74 (#25345). After pointing at the predicted position, I waited until 20 seconds before the event and waited. Then a faint object was seen moving at the right place, time and direction. I estimate the magnitude at 11. Possibly a major reason for the difference from the predicted magnitude is that this was closer to last quarter than full moon. The time was 04:33:38 UT on 24 Mar 2000. Prediction of this type event was courtesy Rob Matson as was the first event observed on 9 Jan 98. Over two years to see another but many good events were clouded out or I was gone plus I only try them around full moon. This event was marginal although another event scheduled for tomorrow night might be visible even though it is closer to last quarter. Two observations may not be enough to refine the prediction (mainly magnitude), but it sure proves that the first obs was not a fluke. Ron Lee ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www2.satellite.eu.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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