(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for June 9-15, 2006

[Robert Lunsford]

During June observers in the northern hemisphere see some of their lowest
rates of the year. During this month the sporadic rates bottom out producing
an average of only one meteor every ten minutes, even from dark sky sites.
The active showers are also modest this month, barely adding any more
activity to the nighttime scene. Observers south of the equator are enjoying
some of their best rates of the year. This activity is produced from strong
sporadic rates and the fact that the Antihelion radiant is positioned well
south of the celestial equator this time of year. Combine this activity with
long nights and the core of the Milky Way riding high in the sky, and you
get an impressive scene. Unfortunately we have so few southern observers to
enjoy this scenario. This is a reason that observations from south of the
equator are so important. The short nights in the northern hemisphere often
make June the least active month for meteor observers. Those who live in the
more temperate latitudes should make every effort to view the elusive June
activity and to report their valuable data.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Sunday June 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 one 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 four for those located in the Northern
Hemisphere and eight 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 next week when the moon reaches its last
quarter phase and is not such a nuisance to observers.


Antihelion (ANT)   18:12 (273) -23
Northern Hemisphere 1 - Southern Hemisphere 2

June Lyrids (JLY)  18:32 (278) +45
 Northern Hemisphere >1 - Southern Hemisphere 0

Daytime Arietids (DAR)  03:08 (047) +25
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