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Re: (meteorobs) Meteor Elevation Data
George G.
Yes, Meteor elevation is important for Absolute Magnitude determinations. If
you are plotting, all the needed information will be there for this to be
determined at leisure with the computer by IMO. .that is you have your
longitude and latitude, times etc. Plus, the elevation will be known when the
plots are entered. But another thing to note here. Meteors low on the
horizon will appear dimmer than what they are at or near the Zenith. Your
center of view shouldn't be below 40 degrees above the horizon. I personally
recommend a range of 50 to 70 deg above horizon for a variety of reasons.
Anyhow, most of the meteors that will be observed won't be all that low in
the sky. Thus, most meteors recorded will be pretty much close to what they
really are with a minor amount of overall error. FIDAC often shows Fireball
data with both an apparent Magnitude and a Zenithal magnitude. It's all
dependent on the plotted data or coordinates given on the report. If you
aren't plotting and recording major shower data, my recommendation is to keep
your observations centered in a range of 50 to 70 degrees to avoid this
problem from becoming too serious.
George Z.