Objects for which elsets are not available
These are Satellites for which element sets are not readily available
except from observations
by amateur satellite trackers. The reason so many amateurs track them
is for the challenge
of making accurate observations and computing future passes,(making
their own element sets).
The focus is on skill development in Math, Computing and observational
ability.
The names listed are those used by the satellites observing community
for these objects and
guesses as to what they are are might be include:
DMSP- Defense Meteorologic Satellite Program?
NOSS - Navy Ocean Survey Satellites?
Lacrosse - Radar imaging Satellites?
USA's - SDS (Satellite Data System -data relay birds?
and "Keyhole" imaging birds, maybe Elint as well who knows?)
In light of the events of September 11th, passes of some of these
objects will not
be available at this site. Not that we
believe they are of any use to terrorist organizations, they are not,
but out of propriety. The ability of these satellites to read license
plates
is grossly misleading to the public by Hollywood film makers, further
there are not enough of them in orbit to give the kind of coverage again
depicted by Hollywood film makers.
When observing these- time the sat's passage between
two stars perpendicular to the trajectory.
Choose two stars one degree or less apart if
possible.
Time to the hundreth of a second if possible
BWGS Objects
These objects are observed for data collection on orbiting bodies
and the data is used by many in the field of orbital analysis.
Observing flashes, minimum and maximum magnitudes and positon can tell
an analyst a great deal about the orbit and the effects of Gravity,
upper atmospheric drag and radiation pressure on the orbit.
It can also help to recover a satellite whose telemetry has gone bad
as in the case of Abrixas which may be recoverable.
Some boosters have excess fuel that may be venting into space
and their photometric periods are changing, hence their orbits will
change.
When observing these. Time the changes in magnitude
or flashes over a one minute or longer period,
also
note the magnitudes.
Iridium Tumblers
Data collected here assists computer programmers in developing
programs that predict flashes from these satellites, which can help
explain a lot of UFO sightings. The light show these satellites
put on
can be fun to watch. Data also helps predict eventual decay of
these objects.
When observing these. Time the changes in magnitude
or flashes over a one minute or longer period,
also
note the magnitudes.
Decayers
Just what the title means, objects that will soon decay and burn up
on re-entry into the atmosphere. They move very fast and are
also
interesting to observe. Again computer programmers need observations
of these objects, especially in the final few orbits to fine tune programs
that predict when and where these objects will re-enter.
When observing these- time its passage between
two stars perpendicular to the trajectory.
Choose two stars one degree or less apart if
possible.
Time to the hundreth of a second if possible
Special Interest
Ones that have been lost like the recent WIRES.
STS missions are also included in this group as well as objects
that researchers request observations of, like Abrixas and Starshine.
When observing these- time its passage between
two stars perpendicular to the trajectory.
Choose two stars one degree or less apart if
possible.
Time to the hundreth of a second if possible
also note changes in magnitude, and magnitude.
Sometimes a search orbit is posted
so you'll want to observ five minutes before
and after prediction
Newly Launched
Objects that have been recently launched, optimally
within the previous two weeks.
Iridium Flares
Time the flares and note the maximum
magnitude observed.
Some other interesting objects to look for
EGP
A Japanese experimental satellite used to reflect
laser pulses. It is basically a soccer ball shape
covered with mirrors, Binoculars
are needed to see the 3-4 flashes per second.
TiPs
The Navy's experiment in rotating a tether
to propel objects into higher orbits.
It looks like a forward slash moving through space
\
Blurry in binoculars, a telescope is better for veiwing.
NOSS Trios
Ocean Survey Satellites?, mystery objects, some are easily viewable
in binoculars, they more often travel in a group of three within
five to ten degrees of each other, some however are in a pair
or single
Starshine
Nasa's newest launched from the STS mission of May-June 1999.
Similar to EGP, planned to flash every second, but current
observations show its period to be five to fifteen seconds.