In my vocabulary, synodic refers to the fact that the observed flash period is different from the true siderial rotation period, and thus (normally) varies during a pass, as the angular velocity and aspects Sat-Sun-Axis-Reflector-Observer varies. With more than one reflecting surface (also the two "sides" of a tumbling rocket), the synodic periods can vary "independently" of each other. The fact that other surfaces' reflections appear/disappear or change their appearance should perhaps also be termed 'synodic'. If you have retained all cumulative (or lap) stopwatch readings, I would like to visualize them with my 'SYNODIC' program. -- bjorn.gimle@tietotech.se (office) -- -- b_gimle@algonet.se (home) http://www.algonet.se/~b_gimle -- -- COSPAR 5919, MALMA, 59.2576 N, 18.6172 E, 23 m -- -- COSPAR 5918, HAMMARBY, 59.2985 N, 18.1045 E, 44 m -- > Yesterday , I made an interessant observation of Intelsat 4A6 Rk (78035B > 10779). First, I counted 50 flashes, and during this observation, I remarked > that two consecutive flashes had not the same aspect : one was more bright > and sharp, the other one was smoother, like a flare. It suggested that I was > counting the HALF period. > 3' 52.84" / 50 = 4.66" * 2 = 9.32" for the whole period > > Then I used my stop watch and I found an asymetrical period : 4.73" between > the sharp flash and the smoother; 4.58" for the other interval > > But at the end of this second sequence of measures, the two periods were > less and less different and suddenly (at 22:10 UT), a little flash appeared > short after the sharp one : F f A F with following intervals : > F-f = 1.28" > f-A = 3.35" > A-F = 4.69" > which gives again a period of 1.28+3.35+4.69 = 9.32" > How can be explained this modification of the pattern? synodic effect? ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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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