Predictions released 09/18/96 @ 05:30. Transits for Mir were computed from the fixed orbital pattern whereas the prediction for Atlantis visibility was calculated from the orbit model derived from orbit #28. Civil twilight occurs at 06:18, sunrise at 06:48.
(Mir) Tuesday, 09/17/96. A northwest to north transit from 5:42 to 5:44 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northwestern sky at 5:43, about 25 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 385 km.
Comment - Shuttle Atlantis should be following Mir by about 45 minutes and both should be quite bright.
Result - Overcast with rain.
(Mir) Wednesday, 09/18/96. A southwest to northeast transit from 4:42 to 4:45 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northwestern sky at 4:43, about 62 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 386 km.
Comment - Mir will enter sunrise in the northeastern sky while departing the area at 04:45 about 30 degrees above the horizon. This is not a particularly favorable reflection angle, but both Mir and Atlantis (following 10-20 minutes) should be visible. Atlantis is scheduled to dock with Mir at about 11:20 p.m. (EDT) Wednesday evening.
Result - Mir dimly observed departing in northeast sky at 04:45 as predicted in a 385 km orbit, Atlantis not seen following 15 minutes later in 270 km orbit.
Comment - Mir/Atlantis should be docked and reflect a significant amount of sunlight even at a low elevation angle. This will be the last opportunity to observe Mir and Shuttle Atlantis locally on this shuttle mission.
Result - Mir/Atlantis reported observed on time in the northern sky at 05:22.