Interesting message below from the newsgroup: sci.astro.satellites.visual-observe *** Begin Quote *** The laser altimeter aboard ICESat is now continuously powered and has been observed from the ground scattering green light off clouds. When atmospheric conditions and observer positioning are right the effect is not subtle. Thin clouds, numerous scattered clouds, or haze should all be good. Clear probably not. To observe the laser scattering it is thought best to get directly on the ground track as the forward scattering from the Nadir pointing green laser may not be visible more than a mile or less off track. The apparition's speed is stunning as the laser spot is moving at orbital velocity. Information about the ICESat mission can be found at: http://icesat.gsfc.nasa.gov/ *** End Quote *** Has anyone from SeeSat-L seen this? I don't know how difficult it might be, the times of day of passes, the expected magnitude of the green laser light; "your mileage may vary", etc. Please pardon me if I've missed someone's message about it. ICESat is 03-002A, 27642. Ed Cannon - ecannon@mail.utexas.edu - Austin, Texas, USA ----------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from SeeSat-L, send a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@satobs.org List archived at http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Mar 26 2003 - 04:46:56 EST