+stu_and_sarah Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 Here's a nice theoretical one for you... Looking at the logarithmic map of the universe I notice that the GPS constellation is much higher than a lot of satellites, the ISS and Hubble. So, theoretically, one of these lower objects could eclipse the signal from a GPS satellite if they happened to line up for a time. Anyone want to make a guess as to: a) The probability of an obstruction. The size of the footprint. c) The duration of the obstruction. I can't imagine this would affect the use of GPS in any way - my guess is a one in a million chance of losing a single satellite for a fraction of a second. Numbers, anyone? Quote Link to comment
+Doc-Dean Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 (edited) I don't think you would be able to detect such an eclipsing event. There is another 'game' people play with the satellites, I can not remember the name off hand (or the link) [someone help us out here]. The sun will reflect light off the satellites to certain parts of the earth. This is a predictable event and only lasts a minute or so and if you are looking in the right part of the sky at the right time, you can catch it. Great for impressing friends... Edited January 13, 2004 by Doc-Dean Quote Link to comment
+nittany dave Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 They are called Iridium Flares. Kind of cool. Quote Link to comment
+RobRee Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 not to get too far OT.. but the kids love anything to do with the sky, so we look for iridium flares and other sattelite sightings. the heavens above site is great. as for the eclipse.. since i normally bag 4-6 strong sats at a time.. one shouldn't bother me too much. i'd be curious how much area would be affected, but i don't think anyone would even notice. robbie Quote Link to comment
+Doc-Dean Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 They are called Iridium Flares. Kind of cool. That's it! Thanks! Quote Link to comment
+The Cheeseheads Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 They are called Iridium Flares. Kind of cool. If you go here, you can enter in your home coordinates and it will give you the exact time and location in the sky to look, as well as where you can travel (i.e. 12 miles west) to get the brightest possible view. Quote Link to comment
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