I am not convinced on that one as the satellite magnitude at that distance would have been around 13 mag. I did not see stars imaged down to that faint level. I am still convinced that it was a reflection on the edge of the scope. I encountered a very similar case years ago while taking a picture with a Meade 8" scope. The double image and the additional reflection higher in the image with all of them moving at the same speed and direction is an extremely rare event. The convergence of the the 2 close objects indicates a change in angle which is exactly what is seen by a reflection while the scope is moving. The fact that a mak-cass scope was used, curved and thick glass in the front, a reflection on the edge could appeared as a double spot on the main mirror or it may have been 2 bright close stars causing the reflection. The second spot with its equal speed, appears to have the same process. In my opinion it was a bright star(s) or a street light reflection on the edge of the scope. Denis Skywayinc@aol.com wrote: > If you remember last week, there was an object or objects that passed nearly > over M27 when an Italian amateur Paolo Lazzarotti was imaging. I assume you > saw the animation. So, I am forwarding his e-mail at below for a possible > conclusion. > > -- joe rao > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > --------------------- > > Everybody -- > > When I was thinking this image would have archieved as X file, an italian > amateur has discovered what I imaged!! > > That was the trace of Molniya 3-38 russian satellite orbiting at 34528 kms > elevation when imaging. > The orbit is very elliptical (eccentricity: 0.7293984) because its apogee is > at 36633 kms (the slow speed was due to that) and its perigee at only 352 kms. > It has 2.21341 revolutions per day around Earth and it was launched in 1990. > > So now you can sleep! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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