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The detailed
tabular data provides accurate information about the pass for the duration
of the pass. The table is composed of 7 columns:
- Local Time (assuming
that the GMT to local conversion value on the input tab is correct)
- Look for an asterisk (*) after the time to see if SkyWatch has found
a sighting! An asterisk (*) indicates that all constraints have been
met.
-
Azimuth
- the angle in degrees measured from due North to the East of the
satellite location with respect to the observer. For example, an
azimuth of 0.0 degrees is North, 90 degrees is due East, 180 degrees
is due South, and 270 degrees is due West.
-
Elevation
- the angle in degrees above the horizon. The table starts at approximately
Acquisition of Signal, or Satellite Rise, and ends at approximately Loss of
Signal, or Satellite Set.
-
Range
- the distance in nautical miles from the observer to the satellite.
-
Solar
Altitude - The angle in degrees that the Sun is above or below
the horizon with respect to the satellite. A positive value indicates
that the satellite is in orbital daylight and negative indicates orbital
darkness.
-
Solar
Separation - Also known as solar elongation, this value is the
angle in degrees between the observer, the Sun, and the satellite.
This value determines if the lit side of the satellite is facing
the observer. Values between zero and ~90 degrees indicate that
the lit side of the satellite is facing away from the observer.
Values from ~90 degrees to 180 degrees indicate that the lit side
is facing the observer and a sighting may be possible.
-
SRSS
- (Square Root of Summation of Squares) This value gives the angle in
degrees that the Sun is above or below the horizon with respect to the
observer. Positive values indicate the Sun is above the horizon while
negative values indicate the Sun is below the horizon.
The table will run from Satellite Rise
to Satellite Set in steps that can be defined by the user. To change the time
increment, look to the Variables tab
for assistance.
Note that ordinarily, the digital
data runs for the duration of the sighting. However, this only occurs
when the Next Pass or Next Sighting button is selected. The Next Pass
function will display the acquisition data from horizon to horizon.
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