[meteorite-list] Aussie astrophoto of beta Octans (not meteor)

[Rob Matson]

Hi Jason and List,

The mystery was solved earlier today. The bright, trailed object is
beta Octans (near the celestial south pole). The 6+ additional trails
in the image are due to stars a few degrees outside of the initial
field of view that later slide across the image as the pointing slews
to the lower left. I've tentatively identified these stars as:

xi Octans (m 5.35)
HD 216239 (m 8.17)
HD 218559 (m 6.41)
HD 219090 (m 8.13)
HD 219125 (m 8.22)
HD 219358 (m 8.37)
and possibly HD 218108 (m 6.12)

Bottom line: not a meteor. To convince yourself in about 5 seconds,
go to the following link:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=49164&highlight=meteor&p
age=5

and open the thumbnail in post #81.

--Rob

-----Original Message-----
From: meteorite-list-bounces at meteoritecentral.com
[mailto:meteorite-list-bounces at meteoritecentral.com]On Behalf Of Jason
Utas
Sent: Saturday, August 29, 2009 1:29 PM
To: Meteorite-list
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Aussie Photographs Meteor Through
Telescope:NOT


Hola All,
It's a nine-second exposure - why not a satellite?  I don't know if a
long-term exposure of a satellite would result in a "wiggly" line, but
if it is as Elton says, possibly the result of the photographic
equipment used - well, any thoughts?
Regards,
Jason