(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for October 31-November 6, 2009

Robert Lunsford lunro.imo.usa at cox.net
Thu Oct 29 17:20:54 EDT 2009


As seen from the northern hemisphere, meteor rates continue to be strong in
November. While no major showers are active this month, the two Taurid
radiants plus the Leonids keep the skies active. The addition of strong
sporadic rates make November one of the better months to view meteor
activity from north of the equator. Skies are fairly quiet as seen from the
southern hemisphere this month. Activity from the three showers mentioned
above may be seen from south of the equator, but the sporadic rates are much
lower than those seen in the northern hemisphere.


During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Monday November 2nd.
On that date the moon lies opposite the sun in the sky and remains above the
horizon most of the night. This weekend and the remainder of next week is
also spoiled by bright moonlight. Successful meteor observing is not
impossible during this time if you sky is clear and transparent. The number
of meteors seen will be diminished by the glare of the moon. The estimated
total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near two as seen from
the northern hemisphere and one from the southern hemisphere. For morning
observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near twelve from the
northern hemisphere and eight as seen from the southern hemisphere. 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 by intense moonlight during this period.


The radiant positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday
night/Sunday morning October 31/November 1. 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 table below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this
week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning but
may be used all week long.

Northern Taurids (NTA)   - 03:18 (050) +21  Velocity - 29km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 2 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 2 per hr.

Southern Taurids (STA)  - 03:22 (050) +13  Velocity - 29km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 2 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 2 per hr.

Eta Taurids (ETT) - 04:07 (062) +24   Velocity - 47km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.

Orionids (ORI)  - 06:56 (104) +16   Velocity - 67km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 5 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 5 per hr.

Beta Cancrids (BCN)  - 07:38 (115) +00 65   Velocity - 65km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.

*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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