What did I see?

[andypraktica]

I was looking at Orion last night around seven to eight in the evening, and I saw a tiny object, moving fairly quickly from low in the South East sky, through Orion's belt, and upwards in a South Westerly direction. I know that it was not the ISS, but is there any way of finding out what it was?

Andy

PS I hadn't been at the vino at the time (well I hadn't finished it anyway:))

[LukeSkywatcher]

Most likely a satellite. You can check Heavens-Above Home Page

Just look down through all the satellite passes and it you find one that matches the time and direction as the one you saw then thats the one.

[andypraktica]

Thanks Paul, will do. Isn't it amazing, when you see something like that for the first time, you can't take your eyes off it.

Andy

[LukeSkywatcher]

I've seen dozens maybe a 100 or so over the last couple of months. I always follow them for as long as i can. Anything you see moving in space is exciting because not much up there "moves".

[Pete Presland]

using binos instead of a scope you always see more stuff like nothing better than a warm summers night,a recliner,celestron 15x70,can of beer and the whole universe above you!

[JonH]

I wasn't sure if I should get myself some binos, but the thought of warm summer nights, comfy chairs and beer(s). Maybe I should reconsider...

[yeti monster]

Get some BIG binos! Firstlight through mine captured Cosmos 1633 rocket body scooting down past M42, with binos it's so easy to follow these things right across the sky.

[LukeSkywatcher]

Yep get some BIG bins. IF you do, forget the beers. You dont want to drop a set of big bins on your toes (bones will be broken). Not to mention the fact that the bins will also be broken.

[yeti monster]

Get them so BIG, that they need a tripod, that way you win on both counts.

[JonH]

Okay guys, so what binoculars do you recommend? I've got a nice big sturdy tripod so size isn't a problem, although I don't want to spend too much as I'm planning to kit myself out for imaging. The Celestron 15x70s have a good reputation and seem very inexpensive for what they are, but are bigger bins more desirable?

[yeti monster]

15x70s would be pretty useful, I'm sure. My 10x50s are very good, but not mounted. It was only that I really wanted to be able to observe for long periods and to try sketching, that I went for the tripod mounted 20x80s and I have to say that they've earned their place in the Yeti Monster observequipe after keeping ISS in FOV, as I tracked it from horizon to horizon, providing a most excellent view.

[JonH]

Thanks for the feedback, you make a good argument for getting big bins. What make are your 20x80s?

[yeti monster]

They are "Mystery" branded Union Optics, who seem to be doing rather well in the optics world, of China. I bought them at the ferry port before I left the mainland back to Hong Kong. I got them and the tripod for 900RMB, which is around £70. I'm sure I could get them a lot cheaper if I were to have the time to hunt around more. I called in at Maplins when I passed through Manchester, and collected a nice hard case to keep them in, and when my solar film arrives, they will get a pair of solar filters.

[JonH]

Thanks for the info Yeti.

[yeti monster]

Any excuse to post a piccie...........

Or two.............