Glonass 7 & 8 observation

ROB MATSON (ROBERT.D.MATSON@cpmx.saic.com)
17 Sep 1997 13:29:55 -0800

In response to Timo Kinnunen's 8/31 21:08 UTC observation of two high-altitude
satellites passing near a variable star in Cassiopeia, Rainer Kracht
identified the satellites as Cosmos 1519 and Cosmos 1520.  Rainer's ID is
correct.  Cosmos 1519 is Glonass 7 (#14590, 1983-127A) and Cosmos 1520 is
Glonass 8 (#14591, 1983-127B).  Timo observed them at a range of over 19,600
km.

The standard magnitude listed for these guys is 4.0, which leads to a
predicted magnitude of 10.2 -- far brighter than the 14th magnitude that was
reported.  Perhaps these standard magnitudes need to be updated?