Iridium flares / sunspots

General physics and astronomy discussions not directly related to Celestia
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JackHiggins
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Joined: 16.12.2002
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Location: People's Republic Of Cork, Ireland

Iridium flares / sunspots

Post #1by JackHiggins » 24.10.2003, 23:51

Saw my first Iridium flare tonight! :D

Only a Mag -2 (as predicted by Heavens-Above, which has to be one of the most useful sites i've ever seen!) I'm getting a Mag -7 predicted for the 27th, which should be pretty cool too... Tonight's was from Iridium 74!

For anyone who doesn't know, an Iridium flare is a reflection from the mirror-like antennae of Iridium communications satellites. They orbit the earth in roughly polar orbits, at an altitude of ~780km.

...

Tomorrow (Hopefully the weather will be nice like today!) i'll try a bit of sunspotting- the groups which produced the large CME that's hitting us at the moment are particularly visible, even with my tiny scope! I can get a pretty good image (~20cm diameter on an A4 page) without it getting too fuzzy!

And the obligitory safety warning: NEVER look directly at the sun through a telescope or binoculars :!:
- Jack Higgins
Jack's Celestia Add-ons
And visit my Celestia Gallery too!

ElPelado
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Post #2by ElPelado » 25.10.2003, 01:02

Well, today just before sunrise(I came up at 5am to see it) it was also my first time!!! But not with an Iridium, I saw the ISS!!!!! AMAZING 8O
I couldnt see it with the highest magnification because it moved very quickly, but I will keep trying. I think that on Sunday morning I will see it again...
---------X---------
EL XENTENARIO
1905-2005

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http://www.urielpelado.com.ar
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Darkmiss
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Location: London, England

Post #3by Darkmiss » 27.10.2003, 23:15

Jack Thank you for drawing my attention to the Heavens Above site.
Just the sort of site I have been loking for.
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