STS88/Zarya
Earl Needham (kd5xb@amsat.org)
Tue, 15 Dec 1998 05:55:44 -0700
Just noticed -- the first time I sent this, I had several options turned
on that might cause problems. My apologies.
Earl
__________________________________________________
Beautiful pass of both the shuttle and Zarya this morning -- both visible
at the same time, although separated by many miles.
Initially the shuttle was bright, I estimate mag 0, but soon dimmed. The
sky was dark the entire time.
Zarya followed a similar profile, except it was somewhat brighter, I think
mag -1 or maybe even -2. VERY bright.
However, I'm not sure I understand the reason each dimmed before reaching
the horizon. Angle from the sun? Even though the sky was still dark?
At any rate, as a local friend told me -- we've been waiting most of our
lives for this space station and it's quite a thrill to see it whizzing by.
And, as I told him, I wish I could go there and take part personally.
Sometimes dreams remain dreams and are never realized.
Earl
Earl Needham, KD5XB mailto:KD5XB@AMSAT.ORG
Clovis, New Mexico DM84 N34.403 W103.334