Dear List, Ever since I noticed the weirdness in the TLEs of 27430 and 27433 (02-024A and D), I've tried to see them but the weather has been most uncooperative. This evening, (01:33.1 UTC on 2002 May 26) through moonlit clouds, I managed to see what is currently referred to as 27433 = 02024D = "CZ4B DEB". It was perhaps 2 seconds early compared to SGP4 predictions derived from these recent elements: CZ-4B DEB 1 27433U 02024D 02145.84413221 .00000695 00000-0 42337-3 0 188 2 27433 98.8085 196.4478 0015979 162.9809 197.1883 14.09334639 1510 and appeared about 5.3 magnitude (i.e. like 92 Leo which it passed near) which implies a "QSIM" (quicksat intrinsic magnitude) of 4.7 and a "SMSM" (skymap standard magnitude) of 5.7. This is more like my 3 prior observations of 27430 = 02-024A on 16 and 17 May; they averaged QSIM=4.5 +/- 0.8 and SMSM=5.4 +/- 0.7. In contrast, this is probably too bright when compared to my two 16-17 May observations of what at the time was called 27433 = 02-024D; those averaged QSIM=6.0 +/- 0.3 and SMSM=7.0 +/- 0.20. [Note: the "+/-" figures are the scatter among the values and do not attempt to include any absolute or systematic errors.] Maybe other more meteorologically favored observers can obtain better data to pin down the ID's of these two (and, e.g., if they have switched a few days ago). Clear and dark skies! Ed Light Lakewood, NJ, USA ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www2.satellite.eu.org/sat/seesat/seesatindex.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sat May 25 2002 - 23:08:39 EDT