Predictions released 05/22/96 @ 16:00. Transits were computed from orbit model derived from orbit #50. Results are published as time allows.
Predictions for visible transits of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-77 over Hampton Roads. Endeavour will appear as a bright fast moving object across the sky in less than 3 minutes. Endeavour's brilliance is dependent upon reflected light from the sun and will generally be about as bright as the brighter stars against a dark pre-sunrise sky. Civil Twilight begins at 05:15.
(STS-77) Wednesday, 05/22/96. A south to southeast transit from 5:09 to 5:10 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the southern sky at 5:10, about 22 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 287 km.
Result - Skies were overcast. As a result, we missed the reentry of the IAE inflatable antenna which occurred about 20 minutes later over the Atlantic Ocean.
(STS-77) Thursday, 05/23/96. A southwest to east transit from 5:11 to 5:13 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the southern sky at 5:12, about 45 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 286 km.
Result - Endeavour observed on time. Endeavour seems to fade quickly after passing tangent to our location, indicating that the payload bay is probably facing the sun.
(STS-77) Friday, 05/24/96. A west to east transit from 5:13 to 5:15 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the southwestern sky at 5:14, about 79 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 286 km.
Result - Endeavour observed on time.
(STS-77) Saturday, 05/25/96. A west to east transit from 5:15 to 5:18 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northwestern sky at 5:16, about 64 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 286 km.
Result - Overcast.
(STS-77) Sunday, 05/26/96. A west to northeast transit from 5:18 to 5:20 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northern sky at 5:19, about 50 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 286 km.
Result - Overcast.
(STS-77) Monday, 05/27/96. A northwest to east transit from 5:20 to 5:22 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northern sky at 5:21, about 46 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 286 km.
Result - Overcast with rain.
(STS-77) Tuesday, 05/28/96. A northwest to east transit from 5:23 to 5:25 a.m. Peak elevation will occur in the northern sky at 5:24, about 49 degrees above the horizon. Orbital altitude 286 km.
Result - Overcast with rain.