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(meteorobs) Lew's talk....

Lew -

Last minute.  You weren't kidding.  This is 2.00 am on Dec. 5th and your talk is
tomorrow???

Having given a number of talks on meteor observing over the years to local
clubs, might I suggest a really basic approach?  A local club usually has a
mixed bag of people - different ages, completely different interests, different
levels of understanding...

Why not talk about:

- what - definition of a meteor - vs. a meteoroid vs. a meteorite

- how - to observe them visually,  in lawnchairs, what to record - time, mag,
shower, details on train, speed,   etc. - and - emphasize dressing warm enough,
taking sleeping bag and spare blankets, red flashlight, etc.

- why - briefly, the basics - what it teaches us about meteor streams, the comet
debris concept, the concerns   for orbiting satellites, the pure science aspects


- when -  times of the year to see the most, major showers

- where -  where to look in the sky (an often asked question for beginners), the
idea of radiants

- how many - idea as to what they can expect, shower vs. non-shower nights, the
after-midnight thing, why   beginners should just use naked eye, famous showers
- Leonids etc. in history

- other techniques (this is where you catch the interest of technophiles...)  -
   .... trying photographs - type of film, camera/tripod vs. piggyback guided,
recommended lens specs, 
        suggested exposure times - take in your camera and tripod to actually
show them...
  ....  trying telescopic or binocular  - but emphasize the rate difference if
they try this
  ....  trying a video camera - especially for major showers
  ....  FM radio detection - give a couple comments on

- if you can, have a handful of slides to show ...slides are always better than
blackboards or overheads... if   we're talking barebones here, and no time, try
for at least a photo showing the radiant for the Geminids...

...if you record meteors on tape, take in a tape and play back a section for
them (check it ahead of time for    suitability.. :)

- and lastly, have photocopies of a list of the major showers - with radiant
positions in RA and Dec (so they   can locate them easily on basic star atlases)
- for everyone to take home -  with your phone number on, so   they can contact
you for more info....

Hope this helps ....

- Cathy