Re: Mystery tracks through M42

Bill T Bard (wtba@eci-esyst.com)
Thu, 7 Oct 1999 08:36:50 -0400

My impressions is that during a 40 min exposure, there were 2 N-S tracks.
To me that means that over a 40 min period, there may have been 2
satellites with similar N-S ground tracks. They didn't have to occur at the
same time (ie formation flying), just pass by during the 40 min period.
Also, I question what the estimated brightness is. If the object is moving
slow, it seems that it could be dimmer than is being estimated. Checks of
satellites going by during the time in question should probably not use
brightness as a limiting factor in searching for the possible satellite.