A study for the search, recovery and analysis of space fragments Semiannual progress report, 1 Dec. 1966 - 31 May 1967
Moonwatch program observations of satellite orbits - decay prediction table
ORBIT DECAY↗
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Moon blink net organized for lunar study news release no.64-316
Moonwatch program to verify and locate color on lunar surface using Moon Blink instrument
LUNAR SURFACE↗
Moonwatch - July 14, 1988
The Moonwatch program using amateur astronomers to obtain a wide range of naked-eye sightings of the new moon to test a mathematical model for predicting first visibilty of the new moon is discussed. The algorithm takes physical effects such as brightness of the twilight sky, clarity of the atmosphere at the observing site, and the physiology of the human eye into account. A 1987 test of visibility prediction obtained poor results due to weather conditions. Observers across North and Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America are asked to record information about the time and location where they first see the crescent of the new moon appear on the horizon.
Doggett, Leroy E.↗
Project Moon-Blink
Development of Moon-Blink detector, and lunar telescopic color surveillance program
COLOR PERCEPTION↗
Study of the decay and recovery of orbiting artificial space objects
The reentry of earth-orbiting space objects unconsumed in the atmosphere represents a potential hazard to populated areas of the earth. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory has conducted a program called Moonwatch, whose purposes were to observe orbiting artificial satellites and reentries of space objects and, if possible, to recover and analyze reentered pieces. In addition, through observations of low-perigee objects, data obtained by Moonwatchers have been instrumental in defining some of the factors affecting satellite decay. The objectives of the program are presented, and the problems that enter into satellite-orbit and decay predictions are addressed. Moonwatchers contributed substantially to increasing an overall prediction capability, and some of the specific achievements over the 6-year period are cited.
Source record↗
Satellite-tracking and earth-dynamics research programs
Satellite tracking and earth dynamics research programs are discussed. Geodetic and geophysical investigations are reported along with atmospheric research using satellite drag data. Satellite tracking network functions and support groups which are discussed include: network operations, communications, data-services division, moonwatch, and programming group.
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