Due to the imminent decay of STARSHINE I, the project is requesting observations from SEESAT observers on two fronts. First, to report the number of flashes observed naked eye and timing in relation to them. It is hoped that with encounters of denser atmospheric levels that perhaps the rotational characteristics of the sphere will change somewhat to show obvious changes in the number and spacing of visual flashes. In general, no flashes are observed, but in the last week two observers have reported a pair of naked eye flashes 5 seconds apart and 9 seconds apart respectively. Negative observations of naked eye flashes are also encouraged. Second, for Alan/Harro to consider attempting to post decay predictions as close to the time of the event as possible and preferably on a daily basis in the last two weeks so that the STARSHINE observers in various schools around the world can focus on the decay process itself and possibly to attempt to observe the reentry. The STARSHINE web site (http://www.azinet.com/starshine/index.html) would be the place where such predictions should ideally be posted to do the most good. Realizing, of course, that observation of the reentry is more than a long shot, there is also being offered a monetary prize (amount and conditions are TBD) for observation(s) of the reentry by the project. SEESAT members would also be eligible. The follow-on STARSHINE II satellite is being actively planned though the possibility of flying a secondary payload of any kind in the next year is very low due to the ISS assembly missions currently on the manifest. I will be meeting with the project director next week in Houston to review the prize conditions and will forward them to the net. Paul ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www2.satellite.eu.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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