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RE: (meteorobs) Sighting on 2/8/1998 - 19:05 EST



Wayne,

As the object faded I thought it might be an orbiting satellite which had caught a glint of sunlight.

The speed of the faded object seemed to support the satellite idea but when it completely disappeared 
from sight I was confused.  I have observed satellites on a normal trajectory as well as Mir and the
shuttle linked up.  I fully expected this object to continue moving but as I said it disappeared.

I was thinking it was a meteor coming straight on and that would explain the short distance
it apparently traveled.  Your reference to "a satellite, particularly one of the Iridium series..." 
are you saying it fell into the atmosphere or was the bright light a function
of the satellite's activity in space?

Thanks for the response.

Russell

-----Original Message-----
From:	Wayne T Hally [SMTP:wayne.t.hally@bangate.tek.com]
Sent:	Monday, February 09, 1998 12:46 PM
To:	meteorobs@latrade.com
Subject:	re: (meteorobs) Sighting on 2/8/1998 - 19:05 EST



> ----------
> From: 	Wayne T Hally[SMTP:WAYNE.T.HALLY@BANGATE.TEK.COM]
> Sent: 	Monday, February 09, 1998 12:46:05 PM
> To: 	meteorobs@latrade.com
> Subject: 	re: (meteorobs) Sighting on 2/8/1998 - 19:05 EST
> Auto forwarded by a Rule
> 
Location of observation: facing the eastern horizon
Approximately 55 to 65 degrees above the horizon

Location of observers:
Swedesboro NJ, USA
45N Degrees Latitude
75W Degrees Longitude

Apparent movement: from overhead toward North East horizon

Apparent distance of visible travel: 5 degrees

Apparent magnitude: Initially as bright or brighter than Jupiter.

Observing time: maximum of 15 seconds, it could have been as little as 10
seconds.

Description of event:

Russell and Katrina Altersitz walked east-southeast from their home shortly
after 19:00 on February 8, 1998.  After they had walked approximately 60
meters, both observers fixed their gaze on the very bright object in the
eastern sky.  Katrina Altersitz began to remark that the object was a very
bright star.  At the same time, Russell Altersitz remarked that the object
must be the planet, Jupiter.  As Katrina Altersitz finished her remark,
both observers notice that the object was not as bright as before.  Russell
Altersitz observed the object continued to lose brightness and appeared to
be moving toward the east-northeast horizon.  The fade was constant as the
object went from bright white to dim red.  It completely disappeared from
sight about 15 seconds after both observers realized there was a bright
object in the sky.

I may be contacted by phone during normal business hours at 302-425-5280 ex
15


If it indeed only traveled 5 degrees in 10 or 15 seconds, it is not likely 
a meteor; atop my list of suspects would  be a satellite, particularly one 
of the Iridium series...I'll see if I can impose on a satellite observer 
friend of mine to check out whether such an event was scheduled. 

Wayne

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