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A Wandering Star?
Slaved away over a hot computer last night for a few hours, then, heading for a fairly early bedtime, I peaked out the window as usual, this time to see a gloriously clear sky. So I wandered out in the backyard for a while to delight in the sight. After some time, my eyes adjusted, I got away from the direct lights and happened to glance SW. I could hear a plane and thought that must be it, but - that was no plane. It was bright pass of the Space Station (with, presumably, Endeavour, on STS-130, connected). About 9:56pm. At good elevation and looking lovely. Actually, it seemed to have quite an orange tint to it. Moved into earth shadow as it passed through Carina. Checked in Heavens-Above - yes, that was what it was and it suggested mag -3.1.
Lucky! That made my night. I was up before dawn and looked at Crux high in the sky. It would have been a great night out with a scope. Come on Snake Valley camp!
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