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(meteorobs) Re:Plotting During the Perseids

-- [ From: Robert Lunsford * EMC.Ver #2.5.3 ] --

> >.I know what Dr. Jenniskens had in mind but he could not have
possibly
> >expect novices to accurately plot meteors on their first attempt. I
> >agree with Sirko that one would miss too many meteors if attempting
to
> >plot the Perseids or Geminids.
> >Bob
>     Bob,
> 
>     What did he have in mind??  Obviously a novice can't be expected
to
>   provide a researcher with accurate meteor plots for, let's say,
radiant
>   determination.  However, is it unreasonable to think that a group of
>   educated and motivated (novice) observers could provide a researcher
with
>   "ballpark" plots so that, later, these plots could be used to time
>   stamp meteors caught on photograph?   In such case, plots do not
need to be
>   100% expertly accurate... right?
> 
Joseph,

My point is that you cannot teach someone to plot accurately in one
session. The average plot obtained would be overestimated by 50% plus be
off track by 20-30 degrees. It would work fine if each plotter had only
one meteor pass through their field of view but with several plots it
would become a nightmare to try to match up with any photograph. I hope
I am wrong but the experiences I have seen with new plotters would lead
me to this conclusion. 

The bottom line in this discussion is the question of plotting during
major showers. To most of us it would be a waste of time and would
greatly affect our data. If in fact these volunteers had fun and were
able to produce decipherable plots then plotting would be warranted.
Personally I would find it difficult to ask people to plot during a
major shower because I know they would be missing a great portion of the
activity. Perhaps this is the difference between professionals and
amateurs.

To be perfectly truthful,  the plots would be more valuable to the
meteor community than simple Perseid counts. I see Peter and Joseph's
point of view and someday I look forward to observing with Dr.
Jenniskens. I just hope that he does not ask me to face toward the west
and plot all of the bright meteors I see during the 99 Leonids. I would
have to respectfully decline such an offer.   

Bob
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