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ISS ground track shifted
by Patrick Wiggins 02 Feb '04

02 Feb '04

Looks like the orbit of ISS has changed as the latest TLEs indicate the ground track for Wednesday's transit has shifted south a couple of kilometers and moved up a few seconds. As it stands now we could probably see if from SPOC. Original track: http://planet.state.ut.us/temp/1-ISSTRACK04FEB2004.JPG Updated track: http://planet.state.ut.us/temp/1-ISSTRACK04FEB2004.JPG Of course, the weather continues to look poor: http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=84074 Patrick

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New elements discovered
by Patrick Wiggins 02 Feb '04

02 Feb '04

Scientists have discovered the two newest super heavy elements, element 113 and element 115. http://www.llnl.gov/llnl/06news/NewsReleases/2004/NR-04-02-01.html

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Mars Rover Spirit Restored to Health
by Patrick Wiggins 01 Feb '04

01 Feb '04

NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit is healthy again, the result of recovery work by mission engineers since the robot developed computer-memory and communications problems 10 days ago. http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/releases/2004/48.cfm

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What are those white twinkling things?
by Patrick Wiggins 01 Feb '04

01 Feb '04

I just happened to look outside and found the sky filled with tiny, white twinkling things. I think I remember seeing things like that a long time ago but it's been a while... :-) Hmmm, guess I'll open the observatory and get a better look. Patrick

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Anybody awake?
by Patrick Wiggins 31 Jan '04

31 Jan '04

The signal to tell the rover to get off the lander was just sent. Confirmation of receipt of signal is expected about 1:52. Confirmation that it made it off the lander will not come down until around 4:30 am. I'd be happy to post more data as it comes in but some how I've got the feeling all normal people are in bed. If anyone wants the data live please reply to this message. Otherwise I'll just keep quiet and maybe post a message only once the roll off is confirmed. BTW, a bit of humor (non-political this time, I assure you <grin>). They apparently had some sort of contest to determine who would press the "go" button. One of the engineers won and they made a big thing of his approaching the seat, stretching his arms and cracking his knuckles as he sat down and then pressing the button (actually clicking a mouse). Nice to know they have a sense of humor. BTW, has anyone else noticed that the NASA types that work back east always seem to wear suits but those at JPL in California wear jeans and T-shirts? Patrick

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ISS transit movies
by Patrick Wiggins 31 Jan '04

31 Jan '04

"Movies" of a lunar and a solar transit. http://mysite.freeserve.com/satcom_transits Patrick

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ISS Transit Wednesday
by Patrick Wiggins 31 Jan '04

31 Jan '04

Looks like the ISS is going to cross in front of the nearly full Moon next Wednesday the 4 at 7:02 p.m. as seen from a point very near the Stansbury exit off I-80. If the weather cooperates I plan on trying to watch and tape the event. Visitor's welcome. Patrick

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Hubble news
by Patrick Wiggins 30 Jan '04

30 Jan '04

NASA asks Columbia inquiry expert for opinion on abandoning Hubble http://www.spacedaily.com/2004/040129225439.qssl1rnl.html Patrick

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Rover roll off tomorrow morning
by Patrick Wiggins 30 Jan '04

30 Jan '04

Operators of the second rover, Opportunity, are running ahead of schedule and plan to move the rover off the lander tomorrow (Saturday) morning. NASA TV coverage of the egress is tentatively set to start at 4:00 am MST with a press briefing to follow at 5:15 am MST. Patrick

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Astromart
by UTAHDEB＠aol.com 29 Jan '04

29 Jan '04

Chuck, I have an AOL address and I've never had any problems with AstroMart. I've saved hundreds of dollars on the equipment I have bought through this site. I have to admit I was a bit nervous when I bought my TeleVue 102 refractor but when it came it was in like-new condition. Are they a bit flakey? Maybe, but I can save a buck or two, I put up with it. I mean you cannot say the words "ebay" and "Amazon" in your posts but there are ways to get around that. Like say "the big winding river in South America" instead of "Amazon". I know this sounds a bit flakey but where else can one go to find good good deals on expensive telescopes, eyepieces and other equipment. I'd keep trying until you find out why go can't get registered. Or I would call Anacortes Telescope and Wild Bird. Debbie

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