I just wish the area I think it is on Google Earth was better resolution. I wouldn’t expect the picture to be up to date for some time but it would be interesting if a crater could be identified when it is updated.
The story makes an interesting reference to the Israeli Ofek spy satellite. According to a Jerusalem Post story, Ofek 7 was launched in June 2007, and the whole thing including launch was accomplished by Israel. Ofek 7 orbits only over Israel’s areas of interest, rather than covering the entire earth as most U.S. satellites do. However, I am a bit skeptical about what can be accomplished within a gross weight of 300 Kg, as stated by the Post. As far as I know, high optical resolution can only be accomplished by a large aperture telescope, and U.S reconaissance satellites have employed mirrors in the range of 90-100 inch diameter. Such a telescope would consume a large part of the 300 KG weight budget, unless the Israeli optical scientists have made some great strides in adaptive optics. I’m very glad to hear that they have Ofek7 , and I am sure they will make good use of it.