(meteorobs) 15 December Geminids from southern Maryland

[Richard Taibi]

As other USA eastern seaboard observers reported to meteorobs, a brutally cold and windy airmass complicated observations for the Geminid maximum.  In addition, (Great) Lake-effect clouds prevented watches on Dec 12/13 and 13/14.  This morning's low windchill was distracting but fortunately was not constant.  The brightest meteor seen was a -3 sporadic and the brightest Geminid was -2.  Observation was started after moonset.  Even so, the limiting magnitude was lowered by increased light pollution due to holiday light displays.  A more detailed report was sent to the IMO's VMDB.
 
15 December 2010, 7:19-8:49 UT/ 2:19-3:49 a.m. EST
Bel Alton, Maryland, USA; 76d, 59m West and 38d, 28m North; elevation about 10 meters.
 
7:19-8:49 UT, Teff=1.50, Lm=5.0, F=1.00, Field Center at 8h UT was 130 RA and +10d Dec. (near M44/Beehive)
 
GEM: total of eight: -2, -1, 0, +2 (2), +3 (2), +4
 
SPO: total of four: -3, -1, +3, +4