Astrophotography Japan / Geosynchronouos Satellite Flares Investigation (Episode 33)

Wide-field timelapse images of the Milky Way taken at Izu Atagawa (see Episode 32) revealed two closely-spaced bright flares that curiously remained stationary; not following the sidereal movement of the celestial sphere. These (and several others) imaged that night were most likely geosynchronous satellites based on their location and other characteristics. Finding them again later, in the skies above Yokohama, proved to be technically difficult. How and why this is challenging, is discussed. Also, the interesting features of geosynchronous satellites and their orbits are explored in this video.
00:57. Field of view for time-lapse images
01:19. Time-lapse image of flares
04:00. M48 open star cluster
04:35. Field of view constellations identification
06:45. Geostationary satellite proposal
08:42. Identification of celestial coordinates on March 3
10:25. Predicting the celestial coordinates on April 10
11:22. Clear Sky Tonight celestial coordinate conversion algorithms
13:44. Geosynchronous satellite animations
15:07. Fixed & dynamic night sky phenomenon discussion
16:10. Final comments

[@philcizdziel7933]

Nice astro-detective work brother. I enjoy your technical search for the truth.

[@jpastroguy]

Thanks. When I learn something new in this hobby, I just feel compelled to share it. Even if nobody cares!

[@matthiasharbers2533]

Thank you! Waiting to see your next video... :)

[@jpastroguy]

Thanks Matthais. I don't expect this one to be a "popular" video for the general crowd who like pretty pictures. But, I find even these small observations and the science behind them to be amazing..... Clear skies!

[@matthiasharbers2533]

@@jpastroguy No worries! It was interesting to watch, and you should make stories that interest you. If you are interested, others may be interested as well. Have a great weekend!

[@Paul-ds9fh]

Hi Paul,
You have delivered a torough peace of work with this video on Geosynchronous satelittes.
Years ago I also saw a star on my imgage that was not there before. For a moment I thought I had discovered a nova.
After inspection of my other images i noticed that my "nova" was very temporarily, my first (in my case) geo stationary satellite :)
clear skies

[@jpastroguy]

Thanks Paul. I am glad you found it interesting. I think most astrophotographers just think of satellites as a nuisance. They are, of course. But fascinating, never-the-less! Clear skies!

[@Paul-ds9fh]

@@jpastroguy Hi Paul,
At this moment the weather is more troubling than satellites :). Spring was very wet and cloudy in the Netherlands.
Almost no clear skies.
Have a nice day (and of course a clear night)