Principle Observers: Tony Donnangelo and Dave Mitsky Other Observers: Mike Synder, Joe Rossi, and Rob Altenburg Date: 2003/3/10 UT Location: ASH Naylor Observatory, Lewisberry, PA 76d53'4" west, 40d8'54" north; elevation 190 meters Seeing: mediocre Transparency: variable Dome Temperature: 30 degrees F Instruments: 17" f/15 classical Cassegrain, 12.5” f/6.5 Cave Newtonian Oculars: 17” - 32mm University Optics Koenig-II (202x) & 24mm Brandon (270x); 12.5” – 12.5mm orthoscopic (165x), 8mm Brandon (258x) & 13mm Tele Vue Ploessl with a 2x Barlow lens (317x) Time: 01:55 UT
We observed this ray during a public observing session so it was not monitored on a constant basis. The ray appeared as a narrow shaft of light stretching across the flat, plained area southeast of the crater Hind (Rukl #45), about 1 hour and 53 minutes before the predicted time of occurrence. It emanated from a break in a ridge located to its east. An elevated area located to the west of the break was high enough to be illuminated and gave the false impression of a second ray. To the north, the rim of crater Hind Z was prominently illuminated. By 03:15 UT, 33 minutes prior to the predicted time of occurrence, the ray had broadened appreciably.
Mike Synder imaged the ray using his Minitron color video camera, video monitor, and laptop computer. The ray was visible on the monitor but by then seeing and transparency had deteriorated so the image quality was poor.