(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for June 1-7, 2007

Robert Lunsford lunro.imo.usa at cox.net
Thu May 31 20:07:45 EDT 2007


June is a slow month for meteor activity, especially as seen from the
northern hemisphere. The June Lyrids peak mid-month but add little to the
overall activity. The June Bootids peak near months end but can be totally
absent. Sporadic rates as seen from the northern hemisphere are lowest this
month. From the southern hemisphere sporadic rates are quite strong with
much of this activity provided by unknown ecliptical radiants which ride
high in the sky this time of year as seen from south of the equator.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Friday June 1. 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 one for those in the northern
hemisphere and two for those located in the southern hemisphere. For morning
observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near eight for those
viewing in the northern hemisphere and twelve 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 radiant positions listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday
morning June 2/3. 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.

Antihelion (ANT) - 17:40 (265) -23
Northern Hemisphere - 1   Southern Hemisphere - 2

*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



More information about the Meteorobs mailing list