exciting observation

Donovan Kemp (pmek@iafrica.com)
Sun, 7 Feb 1999 20:37:37 +0200

Hello all,

Although I have observed satellite passes for years, I have only recently
discovered this mailing list, prediction programmes (which still confuse me
at this stage) and the world-wide interest in the subject, so I am very new
to the actual hobby.

Since I currently do not have the time to learn to use these programmes and
keep them current, I have resorted to using the GSOC (DLR) site for a list
of predictions. Furthermore, because the neighbourhood that I live in has so
much light pollution I have to use binoculars to observe (not always, but
mostly).

Last night I was tracking Cosmos 100 from N to E 30 degrees to S, when
suddenly another satellite crossed paths going in the opposite direction, so
for a second is was looking at two satellites through the same lens.
According to the list this was Resurs 01 Rocket going S to E at 33 degrees
to N. I found this quite exciting to have seen two satellites, for a moment,
in one field of binocular view.

I wonder, is this a common sight ?

As I am new to this hobby, may I ask which is the preferred software (least
confusing) to use for pass predictions, and where the best place is to get
the tle files. Something I'd really like to eventually progress to, is to be
able to find and view geostationary satellites through a telescope. Is this
tricky ?

Regards,
Donovan

Edenglen, Johannesburg, South Africa 26.137S 28.187E 1620m