A group of fellow ASH members and I saw a "cloud" from the Naylor Observatory last night between approximately 1:50 and 2:30 UT. First seen low in the southwest it moved rapidly northeastward. Through binoculars and a 5" f/5 finder scope the object initially appeared to be roughly triangular with a somewhat condensed head. Later we viewed it with a 12.5" Newtonian and a 17" classical Cassegrain. Its speed was striking. I noticed a bifurcated tail through the large telescopes. The cloud became increasingly more difficult to see after it passed beneath Arcturus.
A satellite was launched that evening by an Atlas 5 (see http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/atlas5_launch_030717.html ). We assumed the cloud was the result of an orbital fuel dump by that vehicle. I saw such a fuel dump some time ago during an Ariane launch.
Was it in fact a fuel dump from that launch or another or a TMA release perhaps?
Dave Mitsky
Harrisburg, PA
A satellite was launched that evening by an Atlas 5 (see http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/atlas5_launch_030717.html ). We assumed the cloud was the result of an orbital fuel dump by that vehicle. I saw such a fuel dump some time ago during an Ariane launch.
Was it in fact a fuel dump from that launch or another or a TMA release perhaps?
Dave Mitsky
Harrisburg, PA
Chance favors the prepared mind.
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