(meteorobs) Orionids impress in San Diego

[josephasmus at cox.net]

Hi there,

Been on this list for 10 years and have observed the Orionids for a couple of decades now... Friday night / Saturday morning my finacee and I watched from our backyard from 1130pm till 230am local time.  As experienced by observers worldwide... we saw an impressive display from this years Orionid Meteor shower.  Rather than make an expedition with Bob L. to wherever he viewed from, I chose to stay at home and after the kiddies were asleep, we set up in our backyard.  The conditions were remarkably good for urban, north county San Diego.  I was able to count 9-10 stars in Star Count Area #8 (Taurus) equaling a Lm of between 5.5 - 5.9.  I was surprised how much activity we were able to detect.  I have never seen the Orionids so active...  many trained ORIs and several neg mag ORIs and 2 fireballs..  The first a solid white -4 that left a nice train... an dthen the highlight of the night.. wonderfully beautiful Orionid monster fireball.. it started out aprrox.  -5 and it grew brighter during its 5-10deg path before displaying an awesome terminal burst that easily reached mag -8 or -10 or more.  We counted a total of 42. 

My finacee's first meteor shower... she was thoroughly impressed.  Prior to the night she claimed she couldn't recall ever seeing a metoer or 'shooting star'.   I am quite sure... now.. she will NEVER forget that monster Orionid fireball with terminal burst.  What fun to share and sxpose the 'uninitiated' to the world of meteor shower observing.

Can't wait to read more reports coming in worldwide reporting similar orionid experience to the one my finacee and I shared here in suburban San Diego.  

Happy continued observing to all,

from San Diego, CA  USA

Joseph (and Janet)