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(meteorobs) 1997 Perseid Meteor shower
Info on the 1997 Perseid Meteor Shower
PERSEIDS - This is the most popular meteor shower of the year due to
the combination of high rates and fair weather this time of year in
much of the Northern Hemisphere. Any meteor seen in the month of Aug-
ust is a good bet to belong to the Perseid shower. A majority of act-
ivity is produced on August 11,12,13. Since 1991 a new second peak
began with ZHR rates over 100. This new peak occurs 12 hours prior to
the traditional peak. For 1997, the first peak is expected around
6hr UT on Aug 11/12 and the traditional peak around 18hr UT also on
Aug 11/12. Rates at max may average 50-75/hour. Moon will be a waxing
gibbous stage that will set shortly after midnight for most northern
Hemisphere locations. The brighter members of this shower are often
colorful and produce long-lasting trains. The Perseids are easy to
photograph near the date of maximum activity. I prefer using a wide
angle lens, but with high activity you're bound to capture several
with a 50mm as well. Unfortunately this shower is nearly invisible
from the Southern Hemisphere due to the northerly declination of it's
radiant. The Perseids are associated with comet P/Swift-Tuttle which
visited the inner solar system in late 1992. Observers that are situat-
ed on the night-side of earth when we reach the core of the comet's
orbit will witness enhanced activity for the next several years.
Max: Aug 11/12; Hourly rates: 60; Vel. 59 km/s(Very Fast); Duration:
Jul 17-Aug 24; Population Index: 2.6; Radiant Diameter: 5 degrees;
Train Production: 41%; Radiant: RA 3h04m, Dec +58; Three Letter
Shower Code: PER