Re: Light Curve from Satellite Trail

From: Marco Langbroek (marco.langbroek@wanadoo.nl)
Date: Fri Jan 11 2008 - 12:05:57 UTC

  • Next message: Russell Eberst: "2008JAN10-11.OBS"

    John Locker schreef:
    
    > What we do know is that L4 and 5 , and possibly L3 can disappear.
    > However , as illustrated by my imaging last year.....they disappear to 
    > the naked eye , but not completely.....I think Phil estimated down to 
    > mag 6-7 from mag 2.
    
    In my observational experience, with the Lacrosses being among the prime targets 
    in my camera patrol, Lacrosse 5 (05-016A) shows this behaviour much more 
    regularly than the other Lacrosses. It suggests that something in either the 
    design or mode of operation of this bird is different from it's predecessors.
    
    Whatever the reason, the "disappearance trick" is fascinating.
    
    - Marco
    
    
    PS: I think it is safest to assume that the "disappearing" is likely due to an 
    accidental element of the design, not on purpose. Cloaking it to fade to mag 6-7 
    isn't of any use as military (and amateur) optical tracking systems will still 
    easily pick it up with that brightness.
    
    -----
    Dr Marco Langbroek  -  SatTrackCam Leiden, the Netherlands.
    e-mail: sattrackcam@wanadoo.nl
    
    Cospar 4353 (Leiden):   52.15412 N, 4.49081 E (WGS84), +0 m ASL
    Cospar 4354 (De Wilck): 52.11685 N, 4.56016 E (WGS84), -2 m ASL
    SatTrackCam: http://home.wanadoo.nl/marco.langbroek/satcam.html
    Station (b)log: http://sattrackcam.blogspot.com
    -----
    
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