Observations 02 May 2005:
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Cosatrak 1 (Computerised satellite Tracking System).
MINTRON low light level CCD surveillance camera (0.005 lux typical
in non integration mode) and 0.00005 lux in STARLIGHT mode with 128
frame integration.
Used with 5 inch f/5 refractor, field of view 35.6 x 27.9 arc mins.
Site 0433 : Longitude 18.51294 deg East, Latitude 33.94058 deg S,
Elevation 10 metres - situated in Pinelands (Cape Town), South Africa
90013 03 564A 0433 G 20050502165400000 56 15 1044231+092039 39 +085 05
90016 03 766A 0433 G 20050502170857100 56 15 0703151+124403 39 +105 05
27168 02 001A 0433 G 20050502171146100 56 15 0802013+060945 39 +111 05
90034 05 592A 0433 G 20050502175327200 56 15 1034194+090114 39 +130 05
90033 05 558A 0433 G 20050502182916100 56 15 0939024+070546 39 +112 05
Notes:
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(1) #90013,#90016 and #27168 essentially steady magnitude.
(2) #90034 showed slight variability - brightens as midnight approaches.
(3) #90033 quite a long way "off" predictions, flashing every 2.5
seconds and getting fainter. Took quite a lot of searching to locate.
By midnight it starts to brighten again.
(4) The 5 inch refractor is not suitable for general tracking as the
field of view is too small making it too time consuming to find a
satellite. This is aggravated by the relatively poor setting ability
of the mounting due to backlash etc preventing better than about
0.2 - 0.3 degrees setting accuracy.
(5) Stopped by cloud - my cloudy/rainy season has arrived so I do not
expect much observing the next 2-3 months.
Cheers
Greg
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