snowdog@athena.mit.edu (Richard the Nerd) (03/11/89)
Hello!
Since there were a few requests, I'll keep everyone up to date on
the shuttle orbit over usenet.
I run a mailing list type of operation which provides subscribers
(with elementary knowledge of astronomy) with weekly satellite
predictions custom-calculated for their location. I'd be glad to do
shuttle predicitons this way for any one who wants me to. Note that
the list is not limited to the shuttle; you can choose any satellites
you want. In particular, most subscribers view Mir, and they are
having lots of fun doing it.
If you would like to sign up, you MUST send me the following info.
Remember, send ALL of the below, because I am going to be in a rush
processing the flood of requests and may not have time to look things
up for you and/or write back.
The info needed is:
Your location name,
latitude, longitude (nearest 0.01 deg),
elevation,
time zone,
daylight savings time (I know the rules for the US, so US
people do not need to mention this.)
which satellites you would like to see (I'll assume the shuttle with
everyone, but if you would like more, say so.)
email address, esp. if it is tricky.
Now, on to the shuttle. With the current launch date, March 13th 1307 UTC,
the elements will be:
Epoch: 89072.785417
Incl: 28.5
RAAN: 198.1
Perg: 0
MA : 0
Eccn: 0
M.M.: 15.863538
Rev.: 5
Rev.: 5
Remember, to see the shuttle well on this mission you need to be SOUTH
OF 40 degrees north, and NORTH of 40 Degrees SOUTH, and preferrably at
most around 30 degrees N. If you live outside this band, you will NOT
see the shuttle unless you are a VERY experienced observer. Also, the
Southern Folks will have to wake up EARLY, before dawn, to see it.
I'll keep you all up to date,
Rich N1FMM, fanatic satellite watcher