(meteorobs) "Meteor outburst" on APOD

[bmccurdy at telusplanet.net]

In case you missed it, just drawing the list's attention to today's Astronomy 
Picture of the Day (might be archived under August 15 by the time you read 
this). 
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070815.html

It's an interesting mystery, with several theories advanced on the linked 
discussion. One thing I would dismiss out of hand, however, is that this is 
some kind of fake; I know of Tunc Tezel from the Solar Eclipse Mailing List, 
and can confirm he is a serious astronomer and photographer. (His "tutulemma" --
analemma with total eclipse -- taken from his home in Turkey is one of the most 
brilliant astroimages I have ever seen; see: 
http://www.spaceweather.com/glossary/tutulemma.htm )

Back on-topic, have there been any other observations this year of the Alpha 
Ursae Minorids? And, any expert commentary on APOD's assertion that this year's 
Perseids were particularly active?

Unfortunately, I can't comment on that last question directly because I was 
totally skunked on both August 12 and 13, the first time that has happened to 
me in 20 years. I'm sure glad I went out on the 11th.

Bruce
*****