[AZ-Observing] Re: 747/Shuttle Ferry Flyby Visibility
- From: "Rick Tejera" <saguaroastro@xxxxxxx>
- To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2005 15:06:21 -0700
Tom,
Not sure how to find the departure time. As you indicated, that may be need
to know for security reasons. This much I'd wager on: It most likely will
not fly over Phoenix. The Low altitude preferred rout to IAH would most
likely take it to Blythe, east to about KOFA and then SE to Gila Bend east
to Stanfield/Casa Grand area and then se to San Simon and onward to El Paso
Into Houston. I wouldn't bet the rent on that but that would be my guess
based on the IFR Charts I Have. At 10,000 it would also be limited to 250
KTS (288 mph). I would think you'd be able to see both vehicle pretty well
without Binos (Although they'd sure help) from 10,000'. A 747 ca reach that
altitude in about 5 minutes. Which would put the BA flight at that height
within City limits, so it's not unreasonable for me to guess the outbound
flights I've see over my head are at or above 10,000', and I could make it
out pretty well.
Hope I don't start a pilgrimage to Gila Bend (especially if I'm wrong ;))
Rick Tejera
Editor SACnews
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix, Arizona
saguaroastro@xxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Tom Polakis
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 12:40 PM
To: AZ-Observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] 747/Shuttle Ferry Flyby Visibility
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
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