(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for September 8-14, 2006

[Robert Lunsford]

Although there are no major showers active in September, meteor rates in the
northern hemisphere continue to be strong. Minor activity from the
constellations of Auriga, Perseus, and Taurus, as well as strong sporadic
rates, produce these impressive rates. Rates as seen from the southern
hemisphere have dropped off significantly since the July peak. Other than
weak sporadic rates, only the antihelion radiant produces any notable shower
activity in the southern skies.

The moon reached its full phase on Thursday September 7. This weekend the
waning gibbous moon will rise during the mid-evening hours and will
interfere with any attempts at viewing meteor activity throughout the night.
Not until late in this period, when the moon reaches its last quarter phase
on Thursday September 14, 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. The
estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near three
for those in the Northern Hemisphere and one for those located in the
Southern Hemisphere. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates
should be near eight for those located in the Northern Hemisphere and two
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) - 00:00 (000) +01
Northern Hemisphere - 1   Southern Hemisphere - 1

September Perseids (SPE) 04:00 (060) +47
Northern Hemisphere - 1   Southern Hemisphere - >1

Alpha Aurigids (AUR) 06:08 (092) +42
Northern Hemisphere - >   Southern Hemisphere - 0

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