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Re: (meteorobs) Meteor Elevation Data
In a message dated 96-06-13 13:24:11 EDT, you write:
>About the elevation data for meteor counters. Why is the azimuth important.
>Isn't elevation all you need to derive absolute magnitudes?
>
>GWG
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George G.
I believe Azimuth's importance has something to do with a meteor's
approximation to the sun's twilight region...particularly for the more
northern latitudes that has longer solar influence. The upper atmosphere is
at a more energized state so that when influenced by a passing meteor, it
wouldn't take much to make the ions glow. From this glow, magnitudes are
determined. A meteor's magnitude can be related to the particules original
mass after other factors are considered...such as velocity and entry angles.
I personally don't think we should bother making Alt-Azi recordings for
meteors of minor showers because you should be plotting these and it would be
redundant. As for Major showers...I can see a need since during these one is
most likely not plotting...But getting overwhelmed with data to record is a
possibility here. I'd recommend asking the people who will be doing the
final analyses if this data is important to them and go from there.
George Z.