Observed shadow exit for the GPS 2R-2 Delta 2 R/B (24877 97-035B)
that is making very low perigee passes over parts of continental US.
Time of shadow exit: 29 Aug 12:14:53 UTC (5:14:53 am PDT)
Quicksat prediction:
H M S Tim Al Azi C Dir Mag Dys F Hgt Shd Rng EW Phs R A Dec
5 15 4 .1 33 63 140 2.5? 2 0 125 11 224 2.6 130 737 39.3
201km 360km
I only saw it for about 15 sec before it disappeared behind a tree.
Mag. was steady and is my estimate. I don't have an entry for it
in my quicksat.mag file. It could be much brighter with a better
phase angle.
On the previous orbit it exited shadow right over southern Missouri.
Any observers in that area?
Craig Cholar 3432P@VM1.CC.NPS.NAVY.MIL
Marina, California
36 41 10.3N, 121 48 17.9W (36.6862, -121.8050) UTC -7