Re: USA 129

From: Bruce MacDonald (macdonalddevizes@tiscali.co.uk)
Date: Tue Aug 16 2005 - 06:28:23 EDT

  • Next message: Peter Wakelin: "SATOBS 2005 August 15-16"

    Fco. Javier Iruretagoyena wrote:
    
    > I have seen an excellent pass of USA 129 a few minutes ago. The satellite
    > made a flash with amegnitude of -1. this is the first flash that i have
    seen
    > of this satellite. Is this frequent? Can we predict it?
    
    
    I have seen USA 129 flash to mag -1 or -2.  If I recall correctly, it was a
    high pass close to the zenith, near perigee (the sat was moving very fast)
    and at dusk.  I am guessing that at certain angles the body of the telescope
    tube will cause a flash.  This artist's impression gives an idea of the
    surface area available for reflecting sunlight:
    
    http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/images/kh-12-bush2.jpg
    
    Best wishes
    
    Bruce
    
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