(meteorobs) Orionids in a row

[Chris Peterson]

I agree that most can be explained as geostationary satellites- those 
that start or stop abruptly, and have uniform intensity. From meddle 
northern latitudes geostationary satellites are at the same declination 
as Orion, so confusing them for Orionids in images is a definite 
possibility. There are a few trails that flare, and such flaring is 
unusual, although not impossible, for geostationary satellites. However, 
the description of the events given by the photographer makes it sound 
as if he personally witnessed these groupings.

Compare these with an APOD from a couple of months ago, 
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070815.html . There was the 
suggestion that these were caused by meteors, and in fact the imager 
witnessed a meteor in that area while the camera was open. But these 
streaks can be traced back to known satellites.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marco Langbroek" <marco.langbroek at wanadoo.nl>
To: "Karl Antier" <ka.antier at wanadoo.fr>; "Global Meteor Observing 
Forum" <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2007 2:27 PM
Subject: Re: (meteorobs) Orionids in a row


> These are not Orionids, in fact not meteors at all, on these pictures. 
> The trail of trails is paralell to the equator. It are geostationary 
> satellites.
>
> - Marco