(meteorobs) Preliminary results from Belgian observers

[Geert Barentsen]

Belgian observers from the Urania observatory observed the Perseids from 
different locations in Europe (eastern France, southern France and 
Romania).  Data was gathered throughout August 10-16; approx. 200 effective 
hours by 20 observers. Most observers experienced clear skies during the 
maximum night!  Data will be submitted soon, after a final double-double-check.


Some early impressions:

- Our data confirms the IMO circular; a short peak was seen around 21UT 
(approx. 2x normal activity)... The peak is clearly present in the 5-minute 
intervals of all observers, and is not the result of a big/unreliable 
correction factor caused by the low radiant elevation (approx 25° at 21UT 
in eastern France).

- Additional features (e.g. midnight 11-12) and high activity in general 
were noticed.

- The 21UT peak may have been dominated by weak meteors. I did some r-value 
calculations tonight (hence the reason why I'm not sleeping at 4:30 am), 
and noticed very low population index values near the 21UT peak. Note that 
the used dataset and technique (log10 + linear fit) is definitly not 
suitable to draw conclusions, but I do expect the 21UT peak to become even 
more clear in a global analysis that takes into account the variation of 
the population index for ZHR determination. (Do notice: I'm a newbie in 
this matter, not an expert).


Kind regards,
Geert Barentsen