(meteorobs) Geminids Dec 13/14 from North Stafford, Virginia in U SA

[suejam1 at juno.com]

Nice quick report Kim!    It was my desire to observe the Geminids from WED evening until SAT Morning (three different observing sessions).  Unfortunately, on WED evening/Thursday morning it was cloudy here in Stafford, Virginia.  Sounds like WED/Thurs was impressive for the Geminids! However, I did get out to observe for three hours last night (DEC 13/14) and enjoyed a nice display of the Geminids & the other meteor showers going.  The results are as follows:     Began observing at 2312 EST and observed until 0212 EST on the backyard deck of our North Stafford, Virginia Home (LM 6.0).  In that span of time I observed 111 meteors, with the most fascinating ones being numbers 101, 102 & 103 (around 0157 EST) as they were a simultaneous group that appeared within a two second period of time!  Most of the Geminids seen were about 2nd or 3rd magnitude, with at least one fireball (-3 or brighter) and two at the brightness of Jupiter & Sirius.  There were many at Zero or 1st magnitude.  Looking forward to viewing again tonight for a few hours, before the clouds roll in, sometime well after midnight, Lord-willing!  Clear skies and many meteors to all!! In Astronomical Affinity - Felix

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Kim Youmans <meteorsga at bellsouth.net>
To: meteorobs at meteorobs.org
Subject: (meteorobs) Geminids Dec 13/14  East Georgia, USA
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2012 06:38:53 -0800 (PST)


The skies cleared on cue last night and despite it being a work night and my exhaustion from the days events, I was determined to get in at least a couple hour's observations, which I did from 12:00 AM until 2:00 AM, which allowed me to be out up 'til the nominal peak time here.  Suburban skies were excellent, at probably close to +6.  Rates were very nice and I saw quite a few brighter members including at least one -2 Geminid.  However, given the tree obstruction in my backyard, I was not able to "haul in" rates any greater than 60/hr and that may be a stretch.  I'll know when I get everything recorded sometimes this weekend and I'll post back.   Kim Youmans 
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