FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] 747/Shuttle Ferry Flyby Visibility

[Tom Polakis <tpolakis@xxxxxxx>]

The Orbiter atop the 747-200 will likely be leaving Edwards AFB for Florida 
tomorrow.  I have learned that they fly at the low altitude of 10,000 feet, and 
make one or two stops along the way.  In the past, they have re-fueled in 
Houston.  The Great Circle from Edwards to Houston passes pretty nearly 
overhead in Phoenix!  I wonder if they'll let Joe Public know when it takes off 
or where it's going, or if the post-9/11 fears are too great.

In any event, if it does fly near your home, here are some basic trig 
calculations giving its altitude above the horizon and angular size.  Even at 
only 2', that's large enough to show the two separate craft in 10x binoculars.

Miles downrange     Altitude (deg.)     Angular size (')

        0             90 (zenith)             35
       10                  11                  7
       20                   6                  3
       30                   4                  2


Does anybody have any inside scoop on how to find out when it takes off?

Tom

--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please 
send personal replies to the author, not the list.