-5 Mag Flare from HST
Bryan & Jane Carney (canopus@mpx.com.au)
Sat, 19 Dec 1998 22:08:51 +1100
Dear See-Satters,
I observed a pass tonight (Saturday) by HST (#20580 90037B) and @
9.59 UTC (at culmination) it gave off a flare which I estimate to be -5
(comparing it to nearby Jupiter). It was following its regular path of a
near perfect West-East cross of the sky. On another observing occasion it
flared at the same point following the same path (although not as
brightly!).
I am a novice at sat observing so my questions are ;
- Is HST know to flare ?
- Could a prediction program be in the offing (a' la Iridium style :) ?
Hubble is due to make another pass tomorrow (Sunday ) night @ 10.11 UTC on
the same West-East path and I will be watching for a flare at culmination.
(Incidentally, HST was followed 10mins later by a nice -1mag pass by MIR)
Bryan J Carney
Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Australia
31.4420 S 152.9170 E SL
canopus@mpx.com.au