[SMCARA] Space Weather News for Feb. 19, 2008

[JD Delancy]

If the weather cooperates tonight..


Space Weather News for Feb. 19, 2008

http://spaceweather.com

LUNAR ECLIPSE:  On Wednesday night, February 20th, the full Moon will 
turn a delightful shade of red and possibly turquoise, too. It's a 
total lunar eclipse—the last one until Dec. 2010.  Sky watchers in 
Europe, the Americas, parts of the Middle East and Africa are favored 
for good views of the two-hour event.  Visit http://spaceweather.com 
for full coverage including maps and timetables, live webcasts and 
discussion.  

SPY SATELLITE UPDATE:  The US Navy's first attempt to hit 
malfunctioning spy satellite USA 193 with a missile could come on 
Wednesday night during the lunar eclipse.  This is based on an air 
traffic advisory warning pilots to steer clear of a patch of Pacific 
Ocean near Hawaii just when USA 193 is due to pass overhead. Until the 
satellite is shot down, it remains visible to casual sky watchers 
during evening passes over US and Canadian towns and cities; 
experienced observers say the decaying satellite is sometimes as bright 
as the stars of Orion, making it an easy target for unaided eyes and 
off-the-shelf digital cameras.  Details, photos and more information 
are available at http://spaceweather.com. Subscribers to Spaceweather 
PHONE (http://spaceweatherphone.com) will receive email and telephone 
alerts when the spy-sat is about to appear over their backyards.