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Old March 25th 08, 02:41 PM posted to sci.astro.satellites.visual-observe
Winfield
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Default ISS and Space Shuttle

Last night I had a chance to see an evening pass of ISS/Space Shuttle.
Serendipity and a 15 minute heads-up was all it took on my part.

"Heavens Above" web site had listed the two as being docked, and told me
to look at ISS pass opportunities for viewing times at my location. I
had passed thru a small time-warp and ended up at their web site by chance.

When ISS appeared, I immediately noticed two bright objects instead of
just one. Apparently, Space Shuttle was undocked and lagging ISS. ISS
was bigger and brighter and in the lead.

Using my binoculars, I saw an unusual crescent halo that followed
SShuttle. ISS had a smaller, rounded glare/nebula around it.

I am guessing that the closeness of the two satellites and line-of-sight
angle to me had caused this mix of reflections.

Three minutes later ISS and SS faded into darkness.

we live in exciting times,
winfield