Predictions released 07/03/96 @ 08:00. Transits were computed from orbit model derived from orbit #233. Civil twilight occurs at 05:18, sunrise at 05:52.
Advisory - Columbia's orbit continues to decay with rather high aerodynamic drag values while the orbiter is pitched perpendicular to the orbit vector. Fortunately for us, this means that Columbia's transit time has been rapidly shifting to earlier times each day. A decrease of the orbit radius (altitude) results in a shorter orbital period. The morning sky will be somewhat bright for satellite viewing for the first two days, but Columbia can reach magnitudes of -3 or brighter (quite bright) ascending in the western sky and depending upon it's orientation with respect to the sun. Often the payload bay is oriented toward the sun during sunrise in space for heating purposes which generally gives the brightest reflection. The Friday+ times will be updated if more that 5 minutes in error (always earlier than posted).
(STS-78) Wednesday, 07/03/96. A west to east transit from 5:36 to 5:38 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the western sky at 5:37, about 83 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 261 km.
Result - Overcast.
(STS-78) Thursday, 07/04/96. A west to east transit from 5:31 to 5:33 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northwestern sky at 5:32, about 61 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 261 km.
Result - Not looked for.
(STS-78) Friday, 07/05/96. A west to northeast transit from 5:26 to 5:28 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northern sky at 5:27, about 49 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 260 km.
Result - Overcast.
(STS-78) Saturday, 07/06/96. A northwest to northeast transit from 5:22 to 5:23 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northern sky at 5:22, about 44 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 259 km.
Result - Overcast.
(STS-78) Sunday, 07/07/96. A northwest to east transit from 5:16 to 5:18 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northern sky at 5:17, about 43 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 259 km.
Result - Columbia observed at 05:15, appearing in the northwest at magnitude -1 and fading into the morning twilight after crossing 2/3 of the sky. Columbia landed at KSC two orbits later.