Note: This site is currently "Under construction". I'm migrating to a new version of my site building software. Lots of things are in a state of disrepair as a result (for example, footnote links aren't working). It's all part of the process of building in public. Most things should still be readable though.

Shuttle launch lens determination

I have no idea if this will work, but I'm trying to use Google Maps to figure out what lens I should shoot the Shuttle launch with tomorrow night. Taking data from the awesome celestrack.com AGI Viewer Launch Scenario STS 128 launch I plotted where the shuttle should be when the main engines cut off. You can't see that point without scrolling, but it's where the lines the head off to the upper right are pointing.

View Launch Site in a larger map The other locations are the positions I'm looking to shoot from and Launch Pad 39a where the shuttle will blast off from. By sticking a protractor on the screen, I get the angles of view which I cross reference with either this chart or this tool.

Hopefully, we'll see how this all pans out tomorrow night.