I have done an independent calculation of Superbird A's rotation axis. My calcs agree with Rob Matson's calcs in R.A., but not in Dec. I used my September 29 observation (0325 UT) and tonight's observation (October 9 at 0340 UT). 20040 89 41A Superbird A 09/29 0325 17h19m00s -7d47.6m 10/09 0340 16h52m06s -7d08.1m Sun 09/29 0325 12h23.2m -2.50d 10/09 0340 12h59.6m -6.37d Normal to solar panel 09/29 0325 8h 51.1m +2d 38.9m 10/09 0340 8h 55.8m +0d 23.1m Rotation axis R.A. 14h 56.6m, Dec 27d 41m If my 27 degree declination is correct, it may explain why Superbird has been seen flashing for nearly four weeks. At this declination, the plane in which the solar panels rotate is nearly coplanar with the ecliptic (23 degrees). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jim Varney | 121^ 23' 54" W, 38^ 27' 28" N | Sacramento, CA Member, SeeSat-L | Elev. 31 ft. | Member, Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society |jvarney@mail2.quiknet.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------