Another duet

It came as a bit of a surprise after the previous post that my first trial of a Bresser 5x50 night vision scope should have picked up a NOSS satellite pair. Given the small field of view the scope has it was even more remarkable. Although I am not yet used to how things appear in the Bresser this pair look to have been fairly bright. (1080 HD available)

Two at a time

I've noticed quite a few passes by these pairs of satellites flying around in unison. They are apparently NOSS (Navy Ocean Surveillance System) satellites and some information about them can be found here 

With the notable "Coathanger" star formation in the frame this pair are crossed by something a bit brighter.

animated gif. 5.27mb

Lens 40mm. 15 second exposures

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ISS & first try with Samsung SCB-2000

This is the first try out with a Samsung SCB-2000 video surveillance camera as yet unmodified and using its default settings. It shows an ISS pass on 15.6.2013 (with composite version added). The ISS is now quite amazingly bright as it continues with frequent passes over the UK. (1080HD available)

Bit of green

Disappointing that this distinctly green meteor was only partially recorded.

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Lens 55mm. 20 second exposures

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Two with a flash

This flashing satellite sequence barely made it into the frame.

animated gif. 2.63mb

Lens 55mm. 20 second exposures

(click thumbnail for large version)

Vapour in the dark

This twilight sequence shows the ATV-4 satellite crossing some aircraft activity during its pursuit of the ISS. Although the sky appears very light as a result of the long exposures it is actually very dark and the aircraft's vapour trail would have been much less obvious to the naked eye.

animated gif. 6.80mb

Lens 28mm. 15 second exposures

(click thumbnail for large version)

Nearly there

Almost exactly 2 days after my previous post the pursuing "Albert Einstein" has almost caught the ISS.

An interesting on-board video showing the launch of ATV-4 "Albert Einstein" can be found here

animated gif. 4.61 mb
Lens 28mm. 30 second exposures
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Playing catch-up

In the early hours of 8/6/13 the ISS (@ magnitude -3.4) skims across the constellation of Hercules (top animation).

10 minutes later satellite ATV-4 "Albert Einstein" (@ magnitude -0.4) follows on its heels (bottom animation).

some info. from the ASTRIUM website:

The ‘Albert Einstein’ space freighter is now making its way to the International Space Station

On 5 June 2013 a specially adapted Ariane 5 rocket placed the 20.2 tonnes of the ATV-4 ‘Albert Einstein’ into orbit

The ATV ‘Albert Einstein’, designed and built by Astrium, is the fourth unmanned European transport spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS). In addition to transporting fuel, gas, general supplies and scientific equipment to the ISS, the ATV will also assist in maintaining the Space Station’s attitude control after docking.

This is the 55th consecutive successful launch of Ariane 5, with a new payload record of 20.2 tonnes

The ATV-4 is the heaviest payload that Ariane has ever carried into orbit.

Orbit injection of the ATV needs a specially adapted version of the Ariane 5 launcher developed and produced by Astrium. This Ariane 5 ES has a reignitable EPS upper stage, a strengthened VEB, and a specifically redeveloped flight programme. This re-ignition capability, required to inject the ATV into an orbit from which it can reach the ISS, was first demonstrated in flight in 2007. The re-ignitable upper stage functioned flawlessly, and positioned the ATV on the target flight path.

animated gif.  3.68 mb
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Lens 28mm. 30 second exposures 
(click thumbnails for large versions)

Twilight crossing

This interesting twilight sequence shows two unidentified satellites on nearly identical paths following each other closely while the much brighter ISS passes across them during the early evening on 7/6/2013.

animated gif. 4.58 mb

Lens 28mm. 15 second exposures

(click thumbnail for large version)

Unusual flasher

Not sure what this could be. Very regular  light flashes look like conventional aircraft but relatively slow movement and lack of continuity across whole frame seem curious. (each frame is 20 seconds).

animated gif.  3.66 mb

Lens 28mm. 20 second exposures

(click thumbnail for large version)

Just a glimpse

A mystery object flashes briefly at lower right of frame.

animated gif.  2.93 mb

Lens 28mm. 30 second exposures

(click thumbnail for large version)

The law pays a visit

A faint satellite is somewhat outshone by a police helicopter in pursuit of the local criminals.

animated gif. 3.44 mb
Lens 55mm. 15 second exposures
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ISS

The ISS as it passes close by the bright star Vega on 6/6/2013

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Lens 28mm. 30 second exposures
(click thumbnail for large version)

Bit of a flash

This unidentified satellite presents a bright flash as it departs the field of view.

animated gif. 2.23 mb

Lens 28mm. 20 second exposures
(click thumbnail for large version)