Superbird A Rotation Axis

Jim Varney (jvarney@mail2.quiknet.com)
Tue, 08 Oct 1996 22:39:39 -0700

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).

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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
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