The brightness a Satellite of this Standard magnitude shows at this range
and phase angle, as an apparent magnitude:
m = standard + 5 log10(range / 1,000 km) - 2.5 log10(2f),
f = (1 + cos phase) / 2, the fraction of the Satellite's disc that is lit
so that it returns the Standard magnitude at the geometry that one is
stated for. It models the Satellite as a diffusely reflecting sphere and
ignores what such a model cannot know: glints off flat surfaces, specular
flares, and the dimming of the atmosphere near the horizon. Treat it as an
estimate, never a promise.
Parameters
standardMagnitude: number
rangeKm: number
phase: number
The phase angle at the Satellite between the Sun and the Observer, in radians.
The brightness a Satellite of this Standard magnitude shows at this range and phase angle, as an apparent magnitude:
so that it returns the Standard magnitude at the geometry that one is stated for. It models the Satellite as a diffusely reflecting sphere and ignores what such a model cannot know: glints off flat surfaces, specular flares, and the dimming of the atmosphere near the horizon. Treat it as an estimate, never a promise.