See a naked eye geosynchronus satellite tonight #5281988 - 06/21/12 09:52 AM
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The last 2 nights while viewing M11 from near Three Rivers Mi.which is 100 miles due East of Chicago I have seen an extremely bright geosynchronous satellite go right through the cluster. I've seen these many times before but this these were amazingly bright temporarily at least sightings. There must be a reflection off the solar panels or something. The times were 12:00 midnight 2 nights ago and of coarse 11:56 last night Eastern Standard Time. So it will happen again tonight at 11:52 tonight from my location. I don't know my exact coordinates here right now but anyone familiar with the coordinate system can find what time this might happen from your location based on my being 100 miles east of Chicago if you are anywhere near my latitude. The satellite does quickly dim from about 3rd mag to 7 fairly quickly so it must be seen when it is near M11 in order to have the best chance to see it so brightly. Please let me know if anyone else can repeat this fairly amazing sighting. BTW today is 6/21. Thanks.
Re: See a naked eye geosynchronus satellite tonight
[Re: Darren Drake]
#5282071 - 06/21/12 10:39 AM
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During certain equinox or soltice peroids the GEOS satellites will flare or eclipse. These can often be naked eye. Cal Sky or Heavens Above are two good sites to check for satellite flares.
Re: See a naked eye geosynchronus satellite tonight
[Re: WillCarney]
#5283573 - 06/22/12 10:15 AM
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Last night at 11:52 EST the satellite went right through M11 at 2.5 mag! I never realized satellites 26,000 miles up could ever be that bright. Will watch again tonight at 11:48.
Re: See a naked eye geosynchronus satellite tonight
[Re: Darren Drake]
#5283745 - 06/22/12 12:23 PM
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If you turn your tracking off you will see things more as they are: not the satellite going through the cluster, but the cluster moving behind the satellite. Weird isn't it?
I had an encounter with a geosynchronous satellite and Saturn about two years ago. If I'd known what I was seeing, I'd have turned off the tracking to see how that worked out.
Re: See a naked eye geosynchronus satellite tonight
[Re: gnowellsct]
#5283774 - 06/22/12 12:38 PM
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I had a chance encounter with one and the Moon 5 or 6 years back. That was a nice surprise as I could make out distinct details of the satellite's components in the silhouetted view.
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