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(meteorobs) Weekend Activity
-- [ From: Robert Lunsford * EMC.Ver #2.5.1 ] --
For anybody able to observe this weekend there will be two active
radiants to watch. The September Delta Aurigids are predicted to peak on
Monday morning the 9th. This shower has displayed a broad peak and
activity will be nearly as strong over the weekend as on Monday morning.
Expect to see ZHR's in the neighborhood of 3 from a radiant actually
located in eastern Perseus, just east of Delta Persei. The September
Delta Aurigids are very swift meteors striking the Earth's atmosphere at
66 k/sec. The radiant lies close to the northern horizon at sunset but
rises to a location near the zenith as morning twilight approaches. To
observe these shower members face north or northeast at an altitude of
at least 60 degrees. Remember to keep the crescent moon out of your
field of view once it has risen.
The other active radiant is the Southern Piscids which represents the
annual anthelion activity this time of year. This weekend the radiant is
located just below the "Circlet" of Pisces. It is best seen near 1am
local daylight time as the radiant reaches the meridian. This shower
produces slow meteors with a velocity of 26 k/sec upon entering the
Earth's atmosphere. Contrary to the average of five degrees, the radiant
diameters of the anthelion showers are all large and often oblong
shaped. For meteors seen close to this radiant the quoted diameter is
eight degrees.
Best wishes for clear skies and be sure to post your observations to the
list.
Bob Lunsford
Meteor Section Coordinator
Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers.
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