VFMO captured on Sep. 12, 1999 while observing 1999 RO36
(then fpo047 at NEOCP)

Now IDENTIFIED by Tony Beresford - Details


Image taken at 21:53:56 UT on Sep. 12, 1999
Exposure: 180s

Centre of the frame: R.A.= 00 54.6 Decl.= +03 54

Image taken at 21:57:16 UT on Sep. 12, 1999
Exposure: 180s

Centre of the frame: R.A.= 00 54.6 Decl.= +03 54

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. The object moved 4.29 arcmin during that time.

Blink of the two original images

1999 RO36 you can spot near the center of the frame, as well as another one (7613) 1996 DK (bellow 1999 RO36 , near the trail of the VFMO). Both are easily, but (7613) still marginally, visible in full resolution.

The angular velocity of this VFMO was approx. 12.9 deg/hr


About identification

This object was identified by Tony Beresford as 75 7D (7629), the last stage rocket that put Cosmos 705 into orbit. This is a cylinder apparently about 2m by 1m. It is in an eccentric orbit. The range at observation time was about 33,000 km. The period is close to 12 hours. At the time of observation it was at a height of 31,500 km and decreasing. It should have been around 11-12 magnitude.

More info about Cosmos 705: [ The Satellite Encyclopedia ] [ Search the web ]


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