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(meteorobs) Aug 14 Observations



-- [ From: Robert Lunsford * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --

Another totally clear night; boy are we spoiled out here! The usual fog
over the coast has been absent the last few nights allowing light
pollution to reach high into the western sky and keeping the limiting
magnitude well below 6.5.

Tonight showed a continuation of reduced rates plus a lack of
fireballs. Perseid rates were fairly stable during the entire session.
I have kept an eye on possible Perseid sub-radiants and have noticed
only 2 possibilities. There seems to be weak activity occurring from
the Algol region (45 +40) and from the area between Mirfak (Alpha
Persei) and Capella (70 +50). This second radiant could be the Xi
Perseids mentioned by Gliba.  Gary Kronk also mentions the "Beta
Perseids" as one of the possible Perseid sub-radiants active
simultaneously with the main radiant. Besides the Kappa Cygnids,
Capricornids, and Aquarids, there were also 2 areas producing activity
not generally recognized before. One area lies on the Pisces-Aries
border near 25 +20 and the other lies in Cetus near 15  -15.
The Pisces-Aries were first noticed by Felix Martinez during one of his
marathon observing sessions in Florida. The Cetids may be the same
shower mentioned by Tim Cooper as the Beta Cetids. I have seen activity
from these radiants every August but have concentrated on the Perseids.
With this year's poor showing I plan to plot these showers on every
night except August 12 to try to pinpoint activity.

08:00-09:00 UT   6.30   4 NDA   16 PER   1 SDA   3 SIA   3 SPO

09:00-10:00 UT   6.34   1 CAP   1 KCG   14 PER   1 SDA   8 SPO

10:00-11:00 UT   6.21   1 NDA   18 PER   2 SDA   8 SPO

11:00-12:00 UT   6.06   21 PER   23 SPO


Temperature 65F (18C)  Relative Humidity 51%
F and TeFF were 1.00 all 4 hours. A cassette recorder was used.

Bob Lunsford