TDF-1 flash observation Aug 24UT
Richard Baldridge (RBaldridge@Filss.com)
Tue, 24 Aug 1999 09:38:10 -0700
Continuing flash observations for geosat TDF-1 (NORAD 19621 or 88098A).
AUG 24UT - MIDPOINT of flashes at 5:49:30UT +/- 1 minute from N37.272
W121.977.
No period measurements were made last night (still near 29 seconds).
MIDPOINT occurring approximately 9.43 minutes later each night. (Aug
16UT @ 4:34UT : Aug24UT @ 5:49:30UT)
For the West Coast of the USA, flashes occurring within 3 degrees of the
star 47 Ophiuchi, but sat is drifting slowly westward night-to-night.
Sat is still following previously stated flash pattern (flashes from two
sets of panels). Total span of time where flashes are naked eye is
approx. 11 minutes, near mag +2 to +3.
_____________________________________________________________________
APPROXIMATE "LIGHT" CURVE (view with fixed-font like Courier). |
0=1st set |
*=2nd set (Obviously not to scale) |
Double Flashes |
___|___ |
MAG | | |
+2 | | 0 * * |
0 0 * * |
+4 0 0 * * |
0 * 0 * |
+6 0 * 0 * |
0 * 0 * |
+8 * 0 * |
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _|
TIME(U.T.) 8/24 5:44 5:49:30 5:55 5:57 |
^ ^ ^ ^ |
| | |_ Last of 1st set | |
First of 2nd set___| |___ EQUAL | |
1st set at Maximum. Last 2nd set_| |
_____________________________________________________________________|
RICK BALDRIDGE