Meteor Activity Outlook for March 9-15, 2013

The following is a slightly edited version of Bob Lunsford’s excellent weekly summary of meteor activity. The original version can be found at the American Meteor Society’s site.

As seen from the northern hemisphere, March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only a few very weak minor showers produce activity this month. The sporadic rates are also near their annual minimum so there is not much to look forward to this month except for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year from the northern hemisphere. This could be due to the fact the Antapex radiant lies highest above the horizon this time of year during the evening hours. From the southern hemisphere, activity from the Centaurid complex begins to wane with only the weak activity visible from Norma and perhaps others areas nearby. At least southern sporadic rates are still strong to make the late summer viewing a bit more pleasurable.

During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Monday March 11th. At this time the moon is located near the sun and cannot be seen at night. Late in this period the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will not interfere with meteor observing whatsoever. The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near two as seen from the northern hemisphere and five as seen from south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near eight from the mid-northern hemisphere and eighteen from the mid-southern hemisphere. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning March 9/10. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period.

The following showers are expected to be active this week:

On the last day of this period, members of the Northern March Virginids (NVI) should become visible as this shower peaks on the first day of its activity. The radiant is expected to be located at 11:34 (174) +09. This position is located near the Leo-Virgo border between the faint stars Iota Leonis and Nu Virginis. These meteors are best seen near 0100 local daylight time (LDT) when the radiant lies highest above the horizon. Rates would mostly likely be less than one shower member per hour, no matter your location. Since this radiant is located near the celestial equator, this activity can be seen most everywhere. At 22 km/sec. these meteors would have a slow velocity.

The large Anthelion (ANT) radiant is currently centered at 12:08 (182) -02. This position lies in western Virgo, two degrees southwest of the fourth magnitude star Zaniah (Eta Virginis). These meteors may be seen all night long but the radiant is best placed near 0200 LDT when it lies on the meridian and is highest in the sky. Rates at this time should be near two per hour no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Antihelion meteor would be of slow velocity.

The Gamma Normids (GNO) are active from a radiant located at 15:40 (235) -50. This position lies in western Norma, five degrees northeast of the third magnitude star Zeta Lupi. Due to the southerly declination (celestial latitude) these meteors cannot be seen north of the northern tropical regions. They are best seen from mid-southern latitudes where the radiant lies high in the sky near 0500 local summer time. This shower peaks on March 13 so current hourly rates would be near two per hour as seen from south of the equator and less than one per hour as seen from northern latitudes. At 56km/sec. the Gamma Normids would produce mostly swift meteors.

On Monday March 11, activity from the Xi Herculids (XHE) should become detectable. The peak occurs on Wednesday March 13th when the radiant is located at 17:11 (258) +48. This position is located in northern Hercules, five degrees southwest of the third magnitude star Rastaban (Beta Draconis). These meteors are best seen near during the last dark hour before dawn when the radiant lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. Rates should be near one shower member per hour as seen from the northern hemisphere. These meteors are not well seen south of the equator as the radiant does not rise very high from points south of the equator. At 37 km/sec. these meteors would have a medium velocity.

As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately five sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near one per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates would be near fourteen per hour as seen from rural observing sites and four per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures.

The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week.
Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning .

Northern March Virginids (NVI) – 11:34 (174) +09   Velocity – 22km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere – <1 per hr.   Southern Hemisphere – <1 per hr

Anthelions (ANT) – 12:08 (182) -02   Velocity – 30km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere – 2 per hr.   Southern Hemisphere – 2 per hr

Gamma Normids (GNO) – 15:40 (235) -50   Velocity – 56km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere – <1 per hr.   Southern Hemisphere – 2 per hr

Xi Herculids (XHE) – 15:43 (236) +42  Velocity – 37km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere – 1 per hr.   Southern Hemisphere – <1 per hr

Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
American Meteor Society

Meteor Activity Outlook for March 2-8, 2013

The following is a slightly edited version of Bob Lunsford’s excellent weekly summary of meteor activity. The original version can be found at the American Meteor Society’s site.

As seen from the northern hemisphere, March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only a few very weak minor showers produce activity this month. The sporadic rates are also near their annual minimum so there is not much to look forward to this month except for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year from the northern hemisphere. This could be due to the fact the Antapex radiant lies highest above the horizon this time of year during the evening hours. From the southern hemisphere, activity from the Centaurid complex begins to wane with only the weak activity visible from Norma and perhaps others areas nearby. At least southern sporadic rates are still strong to make the late summer viewing a bit more pleasurable.

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Monday March 4th. At this time the moon is located ninety degrees west of the sun and rises near midnight local standard time (LST) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the slightly gibbous moon will be a major nuisance unless you have extremely transparent skies which will allow you to see faint meteors. As the week progresses the waning crescent moon will rise later each morning, allowing a little more viewing time under dark skies. The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near two as seen from the northern hemisphere and four as seen from south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near six from the mid-northern hemisphere and thirteen from the mid-southern hemisphere. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Morning rates are reduced during this period due to moonlight.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning March 2/3. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period.

The following showers are expected to be active this week:

The large Anthelion (ANT) radiant is currently centered at 11:40 (175) +01. This position lies in western Virgo, two degrees west of the fourth magnitude star Zavijava (Beta Virginis). These meteors may be seen all night long but the radiant is best placed near 0100 LST when it lies on the meridian and is highest in the sky. Rates at this time should be near two per hour no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Antihelion meteor would be of slow velocity.

The Gamma Normids (GNO) are active from a radiant located at 15:12 (228) -51. This position lies in southeastern Lupus, two degrees north of the third magnitude star Zeta Lupi.  Due to the southerly declination (celestial latitude) these meteors cannot be seen north of the northern tropical regions. They are best seen from mid-southern latitudes where the radiant lies high in the sky near 0500 local summer time. This shower peaks on March 13 so current hourly rates would less than one no matter you location. At 56km/sec. the Gamma Normids would produce mostly swift meteors.

IMO shower #37 is active Tuesday March 5th through March 10th. Maximum activity is expected on the 5th from a radiant located at 15:43 (236) +42. This position is located in a extreme northeastern Bootes. The closest bright star is second magnitude Alphecca (Alpha Coronae Borealis), which lies fifteen degrees to the southwest. These meteors are best seen near during the last dark hour before dawn when the radiant lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. Rates would mostly likely be less than one shower member per hour, no matter your location. Observers in the northern hemisphere have an advantage in that the radiant lies higher in the sky during the morning hours. At 42 km/sec. these meteors would have a medium velocity.

IMO shower #35 is active through Tuesday from a radiant located at 16:39 (250) +49. This position is located in a remote area of northwestern Hercules. The closest bright star is Eltanin (Gamma Draconis), which lies twenty degrees to the east.  Peak activity is expected on the morning of March 4th. These meteors are best seen near during the last dark hour before dawn when the radiant lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. Rates would mostly likely be less than one shower member per hour, no matter your location. Observers in the northern hemisphere have an advantage in that the radiant lies higher in the sky during the morning hours. At 40 km/sec. these meteors would have a medium velocity.

As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately four sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near one per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates would be near eleven per hour as seen from rural observing sites and three per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures. Rates are reduced during the morning hours due to moonlight.

The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week.
Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning .

Anthelions (ANT) – 11:40 (175) +01   Velocity – 30km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere – 2 per hr. Southern Hemisphere – 2 per hr

Gamma Normids (GNO) – 15:12 (228) -51   Velocity – 56km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere – <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere – <1 per hr

IMO #37 – 15:43 (236) +42   Velocity – 42km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere – <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere – <1 per hr

IMO #35 – 16:39 (250) +49 Velocity – 40km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere – <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere – <1 per hr

Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
American Meteor Society

Meteor Activity Outlook for March 17-23, 2012

The following is a slightly edited version of Bob Lunsford’s excellent weekly summary of meteor activity. The original version can be found at the American Meteor Society’s site.

As seen from the northern hemisphere, March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only two very weak minor showers produce activity this month. The sporadic rates are also near their annual minimum so there is not much to look forward to this month except for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year from the northern hemisphere. This could be due to the fact the Antiapex radiant lies highest above the horizon this time of year during the evening hours. From the southern hemisphere, activity from the Centaurid complex begins to wane with only the weak activity visible from Norma and perhaps others areas nearby. At least southern sporadic rates are still strong to make the late summer viewing a bit more pleasurable.

During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Thursday March 22th. At that time the moon will be located near the sun and will not be visible at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early morning hours but will not interfere with meteor observations. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near three for observers in the northern hemisphere and four for those south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near seven as seen from mid-northern latitudes and thirteen from mid-southern latitudes. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning March 17/18. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period.

The large Antihelion (ANT) radiant is currently located at 12:40 (190) -05. This position lies in western Virgo, only three degrees south of the famous third magnitude double star Porrima (Gamma Virginis). Due to the large size of this radiant, Antihelion activity may also appear from the nearby constellations of Crater, Corvus, and eastern Leo as well as Virgo. This radiant is best placed near 0200 local daylight time (LDT), when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. Rates at this time should be near two per hour no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Antihelion meteor would be of slow velocity.

The Gamma Normids (GNO) is a weak shower best seen from the southern hemisphere. This shower is only visible south of forty degrees north latitude. The further one is located south (down to 50S) the better the radiant is situated in the sky. Expected rates from the southern hemisphere is currently near one per hour, even with the radiant located high in the sky. The current radiant position lies at 16:56 (254) -51. This position lies in central Norma, three degrees southwest of the fourth magnitude star Gamma Normae. The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn, when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. At 56km/sec. the Gamma Normids would produce mostly swift meteors.

On Thursday morning, March 22, activity from the Zeta Serpentids (ZSE) may begin to be noticed. This shower is active on only five mornings with peak activity occurring on the 24th. Rates would likely be less than one shower member per hour, even at maximum activity. The radiant is located near 17:05 (256) -04. The area of the sky is located in a blank portion of central Ophiuchus, some eight degrees northeast of third magnitude Zeta Ophiuchi. The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn, when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. At 64km/sec. the Zeta Serpentids would produce mostly swift meteors.

As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately five sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near two per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates would be near ten per hour as seen from rural observing sites and three per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures.

The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week.
Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.

Antihelion (ANT) – 12:40 (190) -05   Velocity 30km/sec
Northern Hemisphere – 2 per hr Southern Hemisphere – 2 per hour

Gamma Normids (GNO) 16:56 (254) -51   Velocity 56km/sec
Northern Hemisphere – <1 per hr Southern Hemisphere – 1 per hour

Zeta Serpentids (ZSE) 17:04 (256) -04   Velocity 64km/sec
Northern Hemisphere – <1 per hr Southern Hemisphere – <1 per hour

 

Meteor Activity Outlook for March 10-16, 2012

The following is a slightly edited version of Bob Lunsford’s excellent weekly summary of meteor activity. The original version can be found at the American Meteor Society’s site.

As seen from the northern hemisphere, March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only two very weak minor showers produce activity this month. The sporadic rates are also near their annual minimum so there is not much to look forward to this month except for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year from the northern hemisphere. This could be due to the fact the Antiapex radiant lies highest above the horizon this time of year during the evening hours. From the southern hemisphere, activity from the Centaurid complex begins to wane with only the weak activity visible from Norma and perhaps others areas nearby. At least southern sporadic rates are still strong to make the late summer viewing a bit more pleasurable.

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Thursday March 15th. At that time the moon will be located ninety degrees west of the sun and will rise near 0200 local daylight time (LDT) for observers located in the mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waning gibbous moon will severely hamper meteor observations as the moon will be above the horizon most of the night. Only an hour or two after dusk will be free of interfering moonlight. Unfortunately meteor rates are lowest at this time but you might get lucky and see a fireball as now through April are good times to try and see early evening fireball activity. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near one for observers in the northern hemisphere and two for those south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near three as seen from mid-northern latitudes and six from mid-southern latitudes. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Rates are reduced this week due to the intense moonlight present most of the night.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning March 10/11. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period.

The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning. Detailed descriptions of each shower will be continued next week when lunar interference will be less severe.

Antihelion (ANT) – 12:12 (183) -02   Velocity 30km/sec
Northern Hemisphere – 1 per hr Southern Hemisphere – 1 per hour

Gamma Normids (GNO) 16:28 (247) -51   Velocity 56km/sec
Northern Hemisphere – <1 per hr Southern Hemisphere – <1 per hour

 

Rest of March Meteors

March is usually one of the slowest months of the year for meteor watchers. Not only are there no major showers active, but sporadic rates are also low. Of the ~208 meteors detected by my 2 cameras over the 2nd half of March, only 5 were shower members 1 GNO, 1 ZSE and 3 ZCY). The only real excitement was on the night of March 28/29 when at least 3 meteors (and possibly 2 more that were not id’d as such by MetRec) were seen coming from a point near the expected radiant of the weak Zeta Cygnid shower.

Obs  Date(UT)      Time    TOT SPO ANT GNO ZSE ZCY
SAL3 2011-03-31   01h 43m   5   5   0   -   -   0
ALLS 2011-03-31   10h 22m   2   2   0   -   -   0
SAL3 2011-03-30   09h 55m   7   4   3   -   -   0
ALLS 2011-03-30   10h 24m   5   4   0   -   -   0
SAL3 2011-03-29   09h 44m   11  8   2   -   -   1
ALLS 2011-03-29   09h 59m   5   3   0   -   -   2
SAL3 2011-03-28   09h 59m   11  0   0   -   0   0
ALLS 2011-03-28   10h 22m   3   3   0   -   0   0
SAL3 2011-03-27   02h 32m   7   7   0   -   0   -
ALLS 2011-03-27   10h 30m   4   4   0   -   0   -
SAL3 2011-03-26   10h 02m   11  9   2   -   0   -
ALLS 2011-03-26   10h 31m   7   6   0   -   1   -
SAL3 2011-03-25   09h 44m   11  0   0   -   0   -
ALLS 2011-03-25   09h 58m   10  8   2   -   0   -
SAL3 2011-03-24   10h 08m   9   8   1   -   0   -
ALLS 2011-03-24   10h 36m   3   3   0   -   0   -
SAL3 2011-03-23   08h 12m   8   7   1   -   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-23   08h 25m   5   4   1   -   -   -
SAL3 2011-03-22   01h 40m   3   3   0   0   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-22   00h 00m   0   0   0   0   -   -
SAL3 2011-03-21   10h 05m   7   6   1   0   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-21   10h 25m   3   2   1   0   -   -
SAL3 2011-03-20   01h 59m   5   4   1   0   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-20   10h 44m   3   2   0   1   -   -
SAL3 2011-03-19   10h 17m   14  14  0   0   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-19   10h 47m   9   8   1   0   -   -
SAL3 2011-03-18   10h 20m   6   6   0   0   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-18   10h 48m   5   5   0   0   -   -
SAL3 2011-03-17   10h 22m   5   4   1   0   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-17   10h 50m   0   0   0   0   -   -
SAL3 2011-03-16   10h 24m   10  8   2   0   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-16   10h 49m   2   2   0   0   -   -
SAL3 2011-03-15   10h 26m   9   6   3   0   -   -
ALLS 2011-03-15   10h 54m   3   2   1   0   -   -

SAL3 - SALSA3 camera in Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
ALLS - Near all-sky camera in Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
VIST - Visual observations from Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
VISH - Visual observations from Hermosillo (Salvador Aguirre)
HERM - PARENI camera in Hermosillo (Salvador Aguirre)
SDG - Camera in San Diego operated by Bob Lunsford
Time - Total amount of time each camera looked for meteors
TOT - Total number of meteors detected
SPO - Sporadics (meteors not affiliated with any particular meteor shower)
ANT - Antihelions
GNO - Gamma Normids 
ZSE - Zeta Serpentids 
ZCY - Zeta Cygnids 

Second Week of March Meteors

From Bob’s notes …

Mar 13/14: “Despite the forecast for cloudy skies, the sky remained relatively clear all night long. Only an occasional high cloud obscured the sky at times. Meteor rates were a bit on the low side. The waxing gibbous moon is probably beginning to cause some interference. The Antihelion radiant remained busy producing nearly a quarter of the night’s activity. Plots did not reveal any possible radiants.”

Mar 12/13: “It was clear at dusk but soon clouded up. Skies cleared after midnight but remained cloud-free for only an hour. Only 4 meteors were recorded before the skies clouded up for the remainder of the night.”

Mar 10/11: “Tonight was clear but I had a late start. Activity was average but with a few more Antihelion meteors than normal. Plots did not reveal any potential radiants tonight.”

Mar 9/10: “Tonight was mostly clear with only occasional cirrus drifting by. Meteor rates were similar to last night with no exceptional activity. Plots showed a lot of activity in Leo, most which can be associated with the nearby Antihelion radiant. One member of the Gamma Normids was recorded.”

Mar 8/9: “Another storm passed through the area preventing any observations on the 7th and 8th. Tonight was totally clear but I had a late start. Still, more meteors were recorded tonight than during the two previous all night sessions. No Gamma Normids were recorded nor did plots reveal any other possible radiants.”

Obs  Date(UT)      Time    TOT SPO ANT DLE GNO
SAL3 2011-03-14   10h 02m   12  12  0   -   0
ALLS 2011-03-14   10h 15m   6   4   2   -   0
SDG  2011-03-14   11h 12m   21  16  5   -   0

SAL3 2011-03-13   09h 57m   8   7   1   -   0
ALLS 2011-03-13   10h 11m   3   3   0   -   0
SDG  2011-03-13   09h 33m   4   4   0   -   0

SAL3 2011-03-12   10h 32m   9   8   1   -   0
ALLS 2011-03-12   11h 01m   6   5   1   -   0

SAL3 2011-03-11   10h 17m   10  8   2   -   0
ALLS 2011-03-11   10h 31m   8   6   2   -   0
SDG  2011-03-11   05h 35m   23  17  6   -   0

SAL3 2011-03-10   10h 36m   16  13  2   1   0
ALLS 2011-03-10   11h 04m   7   4   3   0   0
SDG  2011-03-10   09h 45m   29  25  3   -   1

SAL3 2011-03-09   09h 36m   13  11  0   0   2
ALLS 2011-03-09   09h 50m   8   7   1   0   0
SDG  2011-03-09   07h 23m   24  22  2   -   0

SAL3 2011-03-08   10h 40m   7   7   0   0   0
ALLS 2011-03-08   11h 09m   5   3   2   0   0
HERM 2011-03-08   02h 16m   7   0   0   0   0

SAL3 2011-03-07   00h 00m         NADA
ALLS 2011-03-07   00h 00m        ZILCH

SAL3 - SALSA3 camera in Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
ALLS - Near all-sky camera in Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
VIST - Visual observations from Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
VISH - Visual observations from Hermosillo (Salvador Aguirre)
HERM - PARENI camera in Hermosillo (Salvador Aguirre)
SDG - Camera in San Diego operated by Bob Lunsford
Time - Total amount of time each camera looked for meteors
TOT - Total number of meteors detected
SPO - Sporadics (meteors not affiliated with any particular meteor shower)
ANT - Antihelions
DLE - Delta Leonids
GNO - Gamma Normids

End of February Meteors

The end of the month brought some more clouds, a little more rain, and even a touch of snow and soft hail to Tucson. Unlike the last storm, I didn’t miss a single night due to the weather.

Still meteor rates remain low which is normal for this time of the year. Bob had better luck with his image intensified camera which can see much fainter than the Tucson based system.

Bob’s notes …

Feb 27/28: “Another storm passed through the area preventing observations since the 23rd. Tonight was perfectly clear and transparent. Activity was very good with 44 meteors recorded over the course of the night. A surprising two Gamma Normids were recorded early in its activity period. While plots revealed no tight radiants tonight, Leo and Ophiuchus appeared to be areas of noticable activity.”

Obs  Date(UT)      Time    TOT SPO ANT DLE GNO
SAL3 2011-02-28   10h 55m   9   6   2   1   0
ALLS 2011-02-28   11h 24m   5   4   1   0   0
SDG  2011-02-28   10h 02m   44  38  4   -   2

SAL3 2011-02-27   01h 10m   4   3   1   0   0
ALLS 2011-02-27   00h 00m   0   0   0   0   0

SAL3 2011-02-26   04h 35m   9   8   0   1   0
ALLS 2011-02-26   11h 27m   4   4   0   0   0

SAL3 2011-02-25   10h 46m   7   6   1   0   0
ALLS 2011-02-25   11h 00m   4   4   0   0   0

SAL3 2011-02-24   11h 00m   5   4   1   0   -
ALLS 2011-02-24   11h 29m   5   4   1   0   -
HERM 2011-02-24   10h 12m   15  13  2   0   -

SAL3 - SALSA3 camera in Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
ALLS - Near all-sky camera in Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
VIST - Visual observations from Tucson (Carl Hergenrother)
VISH - Visual observations from Hermosillo (Salvador Aguirre)
HERM - PARENI camera in Hermosillo (Salvador Aguirre)
SDG - Camera in San Diego operated by Bob Lunsford
Time - Total amount of time each camera looked for meteors
TOT - Total number of meteors detected
SPO - Sporadics (meteors not affiliated with any particular meteor shower)
ANT - Antihelions
DLE - Delta Leonids
GNO - Gamma Normids

Meteor Activity Outlook for March 5-11, 2011

The following is a slightly edited version of Bob Lunsford’s excellent weekly summary of meteor activity. The original version can be found at the American Meteor Society’s site.

March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only two very weak minor showers produce activity this month. The sporadic rates continue a slow decline as seen from the mid-northern latitudes and mid-southern rates reach a first half minimum. There is not much to look forward to this month expect for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year from the northern hemisphere. This could be due to the fact the antiapex radiant lies highest above the horizon this time of year during the evening hours.

During this period the moon waxes from a thin crescent to nearly one-half illuminated. During this entire period the moon will only be in the evening sky and will not interfere with the more active morning hours. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near three as seen from the northern hemisphere and four as seen from the southern hemisphere. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near ten from the northern hemisphere and fourteen as seen from south of the equator. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Rates are slightly reduced for the evening hours due to moonlight.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning March 5/6. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period.

The following showers are expected to be active this week:

Antihelions (ANT)

The wide Antihelion (ANT) radiant is now centered at 11:52 (178) +00. This area of the sky lies in western Virgo, only one degree south of the fourth magnitude star Zavijava (Beta Virginis). This radiant is best placed near 0100 local standard time (LST) when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. Due to the large size of this radiant, any meteor radiating from eastern Leo, southern Coma Berenices, Sextans, Crater, Corvus, or Virgo could be a candidate for this shower. Rates at this time should be near two per hour no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Antihelion meteor would be of medium-slow speed.

Gamma Normids (GNO)

The Gamma Normids (GNO) is a weak shower best seen from the southern hemisphere. This shower is only visible south of forty degrees north latitude. The further one is located south (down to 50S) the better the radiant is situated in the sky. Expected rates from the southern hemisphere is currently near one per hour, even with the radiant located high in the sky. The current radiant position lies at 16:04 (241) -52. This position lies in central Norma, three degrees southwest of the fourth magnitude star Gamma Normae. The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn, when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. At 56km/sec. the Gamma Normids would produce mostly swift meteors.

As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately eight sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near two per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates would be near eleven per hour as seen from rural observing sites and three per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures.

The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.

Shower Name                 RA     DEC   Vel     Rates
                                         km/s   NH    SH
ANT Antihelions           11h 52m  +00    30     2     2
GNO Gamma Normids         16h 04m  -52    56    <1     1

RA - Right Ascension
DEC - Declination
Vel - Velocity relative to Earth (in km per sec)
Rates - Rate of visible meteors per hour from a dark site
NH - Northern Hemisphere
SH - Southern Hemisphere

Meteor Activity Outlook for February 26-March 4, 2011

The following is a slightly edited version of Bob Lunsford’s excellent weekly summary of meteor activity. The original version can be found at the American Meteor Society’s site.

March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only two very weak minor showers produce activity this month. The sporadic rates continue a slow decline as seen from the mid-northern latitudes and mid-southern rates reach a first half minimum. There is not much to look forward to this month expect for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year from the northern hemisphere. This could be due to the fact the antiapex radiant lies highest above the horizon this time of year during the evening hours.

During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Friday March 4th. At that time the moon lies near the sun and cannot be seen at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early morning hours and will cause a problem if one observes with the moon in your field of view. To see the most activity simply view in a direction that places the bright moon out of your field of view. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near three as seen from the northern hemisphere and four as seen from the southern hemisphere. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near seven from the northern hemisphere and ten as seen from south of the equator. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Rates are slightly reduced for the morning hours due to the bright moonlight.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning February 26/27. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period.

The following showers are expected to be active this week:

Antihelions (ANT)

The wide Antihelion (ANT) radiant is now centered at 11:24 (171) +02. This area of the sky lies in eastern Leo, three degrees south of the fourth magnitude star Sigma Leonis. This radiant is best placed near 0100 local standard time (LST) when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. Due to the large size of this radiant, any meteor radiating from eastern Leo, Sextans, Crater, or western Virgo could be a candidate for this shower. Rates at this time should be near two per hour no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Antihelion meteor would be of medium-slow speed.

Gamma Normids (GNO)

The Gamma Normids (GNO) is a weak shower best seen from the southern hemisphere. This shower is only visible south of forty degrees north latitude. The further one is located south (down to 50S) the better the radiant is situated in the sky. Expected rates from the southern hemisphere is currently less than one per hour, even with the radiant located high in the sky. The current radiant position lies at 15:36 (234) -53. This position lies in western Norma, five degrees east of the third magnitude star Zeta Lupi. The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn, when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. At 56km/sec. the Gamma Normids would produce mostly swift meteors.

As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately five sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near two per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates would be near eight per hour as seen from rural observing sites and three per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures. Morning rates are slightly reduced due to moonlight.

The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.

Shower Name                 RA     DEC   Vel     Rates
                                         km/s   NH    SH
ANT Antihelions           11h 24m  +02    30     2     2
GNO Gamma Normids         15h 36m  -53    56    <1    <1

RA - Right Ascension
DEC - Declination
Vel - Velocity relative to Earth (in km per sec)
Rates - Rate of visible meteors per hour from a dark site
NH - Northern Hemisphere
SH - Southern Hemisphere

Meteor Activity Outlook for March 6-12, 2010

The Meteor Activity Outlook is a weekly summary of expected meteor activity written by Robert Lunsford, Operations Manager of the American Meteor Society and contributor to this blog. The original unedited version of this week’s Meteor Activity Outlook can be found at the American Meteor Society’s site.

March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only two very weak minor showers produce activity this month. The sporadic rates continue a slow decline as seen from the mid-northern latitudes and mid-southern rates reach a first half minimum. There is not much to look forward to this month expect for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year from the northern hemisphere. This could be due to the fact the antapex radiant lies highest above the horizon this time of  year during the evening hours.

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Sunday March 7th.  At this time the moon lies ninety degrees west of the sun and rises near midnight local standard time (LST). The moon will be a nuisance this weekend, but as the week progresses, its impact lessens. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is ~2 for those in the northern hemisphere and ~3 for those south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be ~7 from the northern hemisphere and ~9 as seen from the southern hemisphere. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity.

The radiant positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning March 6/7. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period.

Antihelions (ANT)

The wide Antihelion (ANT) radiant is now centered at 11:56 (179) -01. This area of the sky lies in western Virgo, three degrees southeast of the fourth magnitude star Beta Virginis. This radiant is best placed near 0100 local standard time (LST) when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. Due to the large size of this radiant, any meteor radiating from eastern Leo, Sextans, Crater, or Virgo could be a candidate for this shower. Rates at this time should be ~2 per hour no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Antihelion meteor would be of medium-slow speed.

Gamma Normids (GNO)

The Gamma Normids (GNO) is a weak shower best seen from the southern hemisphere. This shower is only visible south of forty degrees north latitude. The further one is located south (down to 50S) the better the radiant is situated in the sky. Expected rates from the southern hemisphere is only 1 per hour, even with the radiant located high in the sky. The current radiant position lies at 16:12 (243) -52. This position lies in central Norma, two degrees southwest of the fourth magnitude star Gamma Normae. The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn, when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. At 56km/sec. the Gamma Normids would produce mostly swift meteors.

The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.

Shower Name                RA     DEC   Vel     Rates
                                        km/s   NH    SH
ANT Antihelions          11h 56m  -01    30     2     2
GNO Gamma Normids        16h 12m  -52    56    <1     1

RA - Right Ascension
DEC - Declination
Vel - Velocity relative to Earth (in km per sec)
Rates - Rate of visible meteors per hour from a
        dark site
NH - Northern Hemisphere
SH - Southern Hemisphere