(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for July 27-August 2, 2007

[Robert Lunsford]

For observers in the northern hemisphere meteor activity finally picks up in
July after months of low rates. Several showers become active this month
and peak toward the end of the month. Sporadic activity increases with each
passing week throughout the northern summer. Activity seen in the southern
hemisphere is peaking and will remain strong throughout the month. Later in
the month strong minor shower activity will offset the falling sporadic 
rates
in the south. Sporadic rates as seen from the southern hemisphere are
highest early in the month and then fall quite steeply as the southern
winter progresses.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Monday July 30. The
moon will remain a major factor during this entire period obscuring all but
the brightest meteors. The sources of meteors listed below are active during
this period but will be difficult to observe this week due to the lunar
glare. 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 two no matter your location.
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near
twelve 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 July 28/29. 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. Doing this 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.

Alpha Capricornid (CAP)  20:28 (307) -10
Northern Hemisphere - 2   Southern Hemisphere - 2

Antihelion (ANT) - 21:12 (318) -14
Northern Hemisphere - 1   Southern Hemisphere - 1

Delta Aquariids (SDA)  22:36 (339) -16
Northern Hemisphere - 1   Southern Hemisphere - 2

Pisces Austrinids (PAU)  22:48 (342) -29
Northern Hemisphere - <1   Southern Hemisphere - <1

Perseids (PER)  01:52 (028) +54
Northern Hemisphere - 2   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#X2007

Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
American Meteor Society