The Lunascan Project
Tracks Unidentified
Object With MPS Unit: September 29, 1998
...
(Left) Taken with the MPS Cam at 01h27m CUT or
8:27 PM. What appeared at first to be a goose showed up in 10 frames
at 30 frames per second. (Datatape: MPS 98-002, 14-56). Slow-motion
study of video showed dual jet exhaust. Object is inverted. (Right)
This object is more obviously a jet. The coordinates of the object at
left (within a half degree) were established by EZC computer as: RA 19:25:55,
Dec -19-degrees 19' 23, Alt 31.73 degrees, Azm 192.56
All eight frames from video datatape.
How it looks on the original video. Taken
with the MPS Cam at 01h27m CUT or 8:27 PM, this object showed up in 10 frames
at 30 frames per second. (Datatape: MPS 98-002, 14-56). The coordinates
(within a half degree) were established by EZC computer as: RA 19:25:55,
Dec -19-degrees 19' 23, Alt 31.73 degrees, Azm 192.56
.
.
.
One of the 10 frames from the video, enhanced,
colorized, and blown-up to show more detail. Actual video clearly shows
what "appears" to be a vapor trail extending several lengths behind the object
which is moving left to right in this presentation at high speed. Calculations
below in an earlier report are still valid for an aircraft: If a jet,
50' long, the FOV would be 200', range 60,000' or 12 miles.Speed: 200' in
1/3rd sec or 600'/sec. That's 409 mph.
In this negative image, also "flipped" to show
the actual configuration, some otherwise-not- seen details are uncovered.
Scans are conducted with Earth's rotation and with the southern part of the
Moon "up". The frame above is corrected, showing the object moving right
to left, instead of left to right, which was incorrect. Note what
appears to be left & right rear-mounted jet engines and a vertical stabilzer.
Also note the "bulge" where a canopy could be located. Strange is the
apparent absence of solid wings. Further research proved that this is a short-coupled
business jet.
Earlier report
Date: Thu, 01 Oct 1998 08:28:24 -0500
To: lunascan@listbox.com
From: slk <slk@evansville.net>
Subject: [lunascan] rough calcs
Hi Folks,
Some rough calculations on the "object", which
may be a goose, but we still
have some reservations. The ratio of the FOV to the distance of the Moon
(240,000 miles) is 1/300. If the FOV the object is operating in is 6'
and
the object is 1.5' long, the distance would be around 2700'. The goose
would be going 6' in 1/3rd second or 18' per sec, 12.27 mph.
If a jet, 50' long, the FOV would be 200', range
60,000' or 12 miles.
Speed: 200' in 1/3rd sec or 600'/sec. That's 409 mph.
Both estimates appear to coincide with real possibilities.
But which is the
most likely and which is the right answer?
No big deal. Good exercise in evaluations.
Francis Ridge
The Lunascan Project
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THE LUNASCAN PROJECT (TLP): An Earth-Based Telescopic Imaging (EBTI)
program using live and recorded CCD technology to document and record
Lunar Transient Phenomena (TLPs).
Discussions Regarding 98-002
