(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for July 7-13, 2006

[Robert Lunsford]

During July observers in the northern hemisphere witness a surge in meteor
activity, especially during the second half of the month. The source of this
increase is increased sporadic rates along with several showers located
opposite the sun. The Perseids also become active in mid-July with
increasing rates as the Earth nears the August 12 maximum. During the first
week of the month, observers south of the equator are enjoying some of their
best rates of the year. This activity is produced by the strongest sporadic
rates of the year and the fact that the Antihelion radiant is positioned
well south of the celestial equator this time of year. During the second
half of the month the sporadic rates begin to plummet and are the equal of
rates seen in the northern hemisphere by the end of the month.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Tuesday July 11. This
weekend and for the remainder of this period, the moon will be present in
the sky most of the night, limiting the meteor activity to be seen. 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 two for those in the Northern Hemisphere and three for
those located in the Southern Hemisphere. For morning observers the
estimated total hourly rates should be near six for those located in the
Northern Hemisphere and ten 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 will continue in two weeks when the moon is not such a
nuisance to observers.

Alpha Capricornids (CAP) 19:16 (289) -15
Northern Hemisphere 1 - Southern Hemisphere 1

Antihelion (ANT) - 19:56 (299) -20
Northern Hemisphere 1 - Southern Hemisphere 2

South Delta Aquarids (SDA) 21:36 (324) -19
Northern Hemisphere >1 - Southern Hemisphere >1

*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