VFMO captured on Jun. 02, 2000 while observing 2000 LL
(then G55445 at NEOCP)

Now IDENTIFIED by Tony Beresford - Details

Image taken at 20:27:22 UT on Jun. 02, 2000
Exposure: 25 s

Centre of the frame: R.A.= 17 42.7 Decl.= 11 54

A trail of faint VFMO is visible in the lower right part of the image. Click for full resolution.

Image taken at 20:28:08 UT on Jun. 02, 2000
Exposure: 25 s

Centre of the frame: R.A.= 17 42.7 Decl.= 11 54

A trail of faint VFMO is visible in the lower left part of the image. Click for full resolution.

Composition image of the two previous ones

The break in the trail of the VFMO is due to downloading and saving which lasted 20 seconds. Easily visible in full resolution. The object moved 9.5 arcmin during that time.

Blink of the two original images

2000 LL is apparent near the center of the frame (easily visible in full resolution).

The angular velocity of this VFMO was approx. 28.6 deg/hr

About identification

This object was identified by Tony Beresford as 88 110E, a fragment left in geotransfer orbit when SBS 3 and ANIK C3, both comsats, were launched from a US Space Shuttle. Its orbit does 2.2 revs/day inclined at 22 degrees to the equator.

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