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(meteorobs) Request for data



Hello folks,

I am personally investigating the effect on atmospheric extenction on
stellar magnitudes and would like your input.  This will allow me to
compare the theoretical equations with actual empirical data.

If you would like to help me with this, this is what I would request:

While you are out observing, (1) mark the limiting magnitude at (or very
close to) the zenith, followed by (2) marking the limiting magnitude at a
few other places in the sky, along with an estimate of the angular altitude
above the horizon for each.  Try a few different areas, from very near the
horizon to 80 deg above the horizon.  Don't let this impact your meteor
observing session very much (we have our priorities!), but i would
appreciate your input into this question.

Another potential exercise is to watch a known 1st or 2nd magnitude star as
it rises or sets during your observing session, and compare its brightness
to known 1st or 2nd magnitude stars near the zenith at regular intervals.
Do you notice a diminution?  Send me estimates of the star's magnitude
(compared to the zenith stars) at various altitudes.

Try to avoid light pollution (moon, twilight, or man-made) when doing these
estimates, as such effects are not uniform across the sky and will
adversely affect the data scatter.

Thank you,

Jim


James Richardson
Graceville, Florida
richardson@digitalexp.com

Operations Manager / Radiometeor Project Coordinator
American Meteor Society (AMS)
http://www.serve.com/meteors/


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