Identifying Objects

My first thought was that a satellite was performing a guest appearance in my M11 images. A second look has perked my interest.

Can anyone tell me how I can check this and determine what it was by comparing it to know data. The insert shows that something was either next to it or came off of it. Location was 39.28N, 74.30W, 2006-07-15T03:20:59 (This time was from the fits header which should have read the laptop time and I believe converted it) I thought it was between 11 and 12 EST on the 14th.

Thank you

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John,

Starry Night Pro, when looking at M11 from Newark, NJ, shows the polar geosynchronous satellite Galaxy 16 making a pass right by M11 at 12:27 EST on 7/15/2006. It shows the satellite as being magnitude 8.56, which seems bright compared to what you have in your picture. By the length of the trail, do you have about 2-3 minutes of total time on your picture?

I'm not sure what the secondary track is; perhaps an internal reflection from a filter or a reducer?

According to web sources, Galaxy 16 was launched from the Sea Launch platform back in June of this year (2006), so you possibly have an image of a shroud that was shed after final configuration of the satellite in orbit.

Cool picture!

Keith

Another source is Heavens-above.com. It's really an amazing site...once you register it will have your location. You can generate tables of all satellite passes listing location, direction, magnatude, even details on origin, date of launch, etc. I also use it to generate quick star charts for an evening's shooting.
Check it out,
Larry

John,

I don't see the anomaly that makes you think something has come off of it, or split......Are you referring to the two brighter spots on the track, or is there something I have not picked up on the monitor? Could that not be just two small stars that happen to be on the track?

(I mean, you aren't talking about that big triangle thing......that was probably put there later, and is not actually part of the original picture--or was it?????)

Alex

While processing I have found another image that shows three separate pieces. This image was taken just prior to the one used for the original post. Same time with the 10 second delay. If this is a recently launched satellite I would be interested if it is working . .

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