Visible tumblers
Edward S Light (light@argos.argoscomp.com)
Tue, 14 Apr 1998 13:28:54 -0400 (EDT)
Today (1998 Apr 14), Jari wrote ...
> From: finn@main.jetnet.ab.ca
> Subject: Tumblers
>
> Besides NOSS 2-3 r and Iridium 27, what other satellites tumble at a good
> rate, thus giving a good visual display?
>
Objects we've seen recently that vary nicely include ...
10820 78-042A AMS 3 (OPS 6182) (DMSP F3)
Maximum about 3rd magnitude, period roughly 12 seconds
12908 78-016C FLTSATCOM 1 Atlas Centaur R/B
Maximum magnitude 2-3 with an approximate period of 18 seconds
18710 87-106B Cosmos 1904 SL-8 R/B
Maximum of 5th magnitude with an 8-1/2 second periods
16908 86-061A EGP
About 3 very brief, bright (4th mag?) peaks in a couple of seconds period
There are MANY others; those are just the ones we bothered noting.
Clear and dark skies!
Ed Light
Lakewood, NJ, USA
N 40.107, W 074.232, Hgt +21m