Re: A possible re-entry observation
Jim Varney (jvarney@mail2.quiknet.com)
Fri, 5 Apr 1996 00:16:38 +0100
Dr. Brian Hunter wrote:
>I observed what I believe was an object re-entering the atmosphere at
>01:55:45 UTC April 4, 1996. From my location, 44.25N 76.5W, the object was
>north bound and burned out at about 01:55:55 near epsilon Ursa Major. I
>have a several reasons to suspect a satellite re-entry rather than a
>meteor.
>
>- it was slower than the vast majority of meteors I have observed
>- it was very red compared to most meteors
>- many small fragments broke off and it left a long trail of reddish debris
> it was more like a holiday firework than any meteor I've seen.
>- the track appeared to be consistent with a close to 90 degree inclination
Based on your description, I'd say it's probably a reentry.
I ran TLE's and didn't get any candidates. If no one else comes up with any
likely objects, then it may be a small piece of untracked space debris.
USSPACECOM does not track objects smaller than 10 cm.
A small bolt, nut or other hardware is capable of putting on the type
of show you describe.
-- Jim
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Jim Varney | 121^ 23' 54" W, 38^ 27' 28" N | Sacramento, CA
Civil Engineer | Elev. 31 ft. |jvarney@mail2.quiknet.com
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