Below is a report of a flare, much too slow to be an Iridium. I first thought it might be a Molniya (one Molniya rocket 78095E = catalog 11079 is close), but I do not believe a Molniya could flare this bright. Possibly a secret US satellite? Plymouth is approx 4degW 50.5N. ---------------------------------------- BAA electronic circular No. 00052 http://www.britastro.org/ ====================================================================== UNUSUAL FLARE IN CASSIOPEIA The Association has received a report from a Mr C.E.R. Brook of Plymouth of an unusual flare in Cassiopeia. Mr Brook observed a bright object, several times as bright as the planet Venus, which flared up in the constellation of Cassiopeia in the position of, or near to, the star Alpha Cassiopeiae at 22 hrs 32 mins UT on 26 June 2002. Mr Brook apparently had the object in view for about a minute, before it faded rapidly from view, and it showed no sign of movement while visible. It was already bright when Mr Brook first spotted the object. The report was initially sent to Variable Star Section Director, Roger Pickard, while he was away on holiday, which is the reason for the delay in making this announcement. Any other reports of this object should be sent to: Dr John Mason, British Astronomical Association, 51 Orchard Way, Barnham, West Sussex PO22 0HX Email: docjohn@dircon.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www.satellite.eu.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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