(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for August 11-17, 2006

[Robert Lunsford]

During August observers in the northern hemisphere continue to see a rise in
the meteor activity, especially near August 12, when the Perseids reach
maximum strength. This peak is somewhat modified this year by the bright
gibbous moon that will be present during the Perseid maximum. Observers
south of the equator are seeing their rates plummet as the Perseids have
little effect in producing activity from the far southern latitudes.

The moon reached its full phase on Wednesday August 9. This weekend the
waning gibbous moon will rise during the late evening hours and will
interfere with any attempts at viewing meteor activity. Not until late in
this period, when the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Wednesday
August 16, will conditions again be favorable for viewing.The sources of
meteors listed below are active during this period but will be difficult to
observe. If your sky is transparent and the limiting magnitude exceeds +5.0,
then you may be able to achieve some success at observing during this
period. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is
near five for those in the Northern Hemisphere and two for those located in
the Southern Hemisphere. For morning observers the estimated total hourly
rates should be near twenty for those located in the Northern Hemisphere and
seven for those in the Southern Hemisphere. These rates assume that you are
watching from rural areas away from all sources of light pollution. 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 intense moonlight.

The full descriptions of each active meteor shower will continue next week
when the moon becomes less of a nuisance to observers.

Antihelion (ANT) - 22:12 (333) -08
Northern Hemisphere - 2    Southern Hemisphere - 2

Delta Aquarids (SDA) 23:24 (351) -12
Northern Hemisphere - >1    Southern Hemisphere - 1

Perseids (PER) 03:12 (048) +58
Northern Hemisphere - 15    Southern Hemisphere - 2

*For a detailed explanation on the different classes of meteor showers and
other astronomical terms, please visit:
http://www.amsmeteors.org/showers.html#X2006

Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
American Meteor Society