(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for January 5-11, 2007

[Robert Lunsford]

January sees a peak of sporadic activity for the southern hemisphere while
rates seen north of the equator begin a steady downward turn that continues
throughout the first half of the year. The sporadic activity is good for
both hemispheres, but not as good as it was for northern observers in
December. Once the Quadrantids have passed the shower activity for January
is very quiet.

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Thursday
January 11. During this entire period the moon will rise during the evening
hours and will interfere with observing during the most productive morning
hours. The sources of meteors listed below are active during this period but
will be difficult to observe this week. 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 no matter your location. For morning observers the estimated
total hourly rates should be near five no matter your location. 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 radiant positions listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday
morning January 6/7. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the
listed coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases
(available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid
lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where
these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer
planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any time of night
on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best seen when it is
positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south along the meridian,
depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that meteor activity is
rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards from the
radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant lies
at the edge and not the center. Using this method will allow you to easily
trace the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member)
or in another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen
from radiants that are located below the horizon. The positions below are
listed in a west to east manner in order of right ascension (celestial
longitude). The positions listed first are located further west therefore
are accessible earlier in the night while those listed further down the list
rise later in the night.

The full descriptions of each active meteor shower will continue next week
when the moon becomes less of a nuisance to observers.


Antihelion (ANT) - 07:56 (119) +20
Northern Hemisphere - 1   Southern Hemisphere - <1

Coma Berenicids (COM)  12:44 (191) +18
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