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(meteorobs) NAMN 1997 Meteor Shower Calendar
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***** North American Meteor Network *****
***** 1997 Meteor Shower Calendar *****
***** Major Shower Highlights *****
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A challenging year with the Lyrids, Orionids, Leonids and Geminids all
hampered by poor moon conditions.
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What follows is the calendar of NAMN target showers for 1997. In general,
these are the best showers to observe using visual techniques. Some showers,
severely hampered by moonlight in 1997, have been included to give the
observer a complete picture of 1997 possibilities.
I would like to thank Wayne Hally who is responsible for compiling the 1997
edition.
-Mark Davis
NAMN Coordinator
QUADRANTIDS:
Peak near sunrise on January 3rd. 40% lit moon rises just after 1 AM. Rate
exceeds 20/Hr for 24 hours, near 100/Hr for only 12. Visible from January
1st to 5th.
LYRIDS:
Peak on April 21/22 obscured by a full moon this year. 12 hour high rate is
centered before midnight this year.
ETA AQUARIDS:
One of the best Southern Hemisphere showers, where rates exceed 20/hr for 10
days, peaking at 60/hr near the 5th of May. Due to low declination, fewer
members are visible in North America. This year's new moon provides an
opportunity to see more of these Comet Halley particles than usual, and
contribute valuable data on low elevation radiants. Highest rates from May
2nd to 8th after midnight.
PERSEIDS:
Visible from mid July to the end of August, the Perseids peak on August
11/12. The moon sets around midnight, so a long night of viewing can be
planned. 1995 data indicates enhancement from Comet Swift-Tuttle's 1992
return is keeping rates well over 100 per hour in outbursts earlier than the
traditional peak.
SOUTHERN DELTA AQUARIDS:
The most active of 4 radiants in Aquarius in late July and early August.
Peak is on Aug 27/28, some moon free hours are after midnight until moonrise.
ALPHA and DELTA AURIGIDS:
With the new moon between these two shower's peaks, much needed data can be
obtained. The Alpha Aurigid's maximum is on the night Aug 31/Sep 1; the
Delta Aurigid's on Sept 8th.
ORIONIDS:
Comet Halley's other shower is badly affected by the gibbous moon rising
before midnight on Oct 20/21.
LEONIDS:
The Leonid's peak of Nov 17th this year is just after full moon so
observations will be limited, however 1995 featured many bright meteors so
it should be fun. The bad conditions this year mean the moon will cooperate
in 1998 and 1999, when a dense stream of dimmer particles may cause meteor
storm rates of thousands per hour.
GEMINIDS:
The Geminid's peak of Dec 12/13 and 13/14 is on the full moon. Radiant rises
late so observe after midnight.
URSIDS:
This shower, peaking on Dec 21/22 is in need of more observations. Outbursts
have occurred in the past. A quarter moon will be present, but observations
are recommended anyway.
Follow-Ups: