(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for June 6-12, 2009

Robert Lunsford lunro.imo.usa at cox.net
Fri Jun 5 14:21:22 EDT 2009


June is another slow month for meteor activity. There are no major showers
active in June and only the Antihelion source can be counted on for
continuous activity. Even the Antihelion is located so far south this time
of year that rates rarely exceed two per hour as seen from the northern
hemisphere. Sporadic rates reach their nadir in June as seen from the
mid-northern hemisphere (45 N). Sporadic rates seen from the mid-southern
hemisphere (45 S) continue to rise this month toward a maximum in July.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Sunday June 7. At this
time the moon lies opposite the sun in the sky and is above the horizon
during most of the night. This is the worst time to try and view meteor
activity as the intense light from the moon obscures all but the brightest
meteors. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is
near one as seen from the northern hemisphere and two for those situated
south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates
should be near three for those located in the mid-northern hemisphere (45 N)
and seven for those viewing from the mid-southern hemisphere (45 S).
Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed
figures. 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 due
to the intense moonlight.

The radiant positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday
night/Sunday morning May 30/31. 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. Viewing there 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.

The following showers are expected to be active this week:

Antihelion (ANT) - 17:32 (263) -23    Velocity - 30km/sec.
Hourly Rates - 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#X2009

Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
American Meteor Society 




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