Re: Lunar Transit

James Husnay Sr. (jhusnay@scsinet.com)
Thu, 30 Jul 1998 20:03:15 -0400

Bob:

Thanks for your reply. I now understand.

JIM

Matson, Robert wrote:

>         Hi Jim,
>
>         > Why did you say; <Timing is good right now since we're at new
> moon>
>
>         Because it is easier, contrast-wise, to see a sunlit satellite
> transit the dark side of
>         the moon.  Several days before or after new moon is thus a good
> time to look.  That's
>         not to say that you can't see a satellite transit the moon at
> other times -- you can
>         always try a silouette transit for a satellite in darkness.  But
> the nice thing about a
>         sunlit transit is that you can track the satellite prior to
> first-contact so that you know
>         exactly when it will happen.
>
>         > Is there any way of answering how often a transit of this type
>         > can occurr during new moon?
>
>         Transits of large objects are kind of like Iridium monster
> flares -- it depends on how
>         far you want to drive.  If you stick in any one place, you'll
> see far fewer than if you're
>         willing to drive 10 miles.  Still, you probably get one or two
> per day, even if you sit
>         still. --Rob