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(meteorobs) Importance of amateur meteor observing
At 05:44 PM 2/21/98 EST, you wrote:
>I know I have done more than just pissed a few people off...
>George Zay
No, that about summarizes it, George... ;>
Bravo for your message, by the way! It brings up the important point that
one of the most valuable things amateurs can do to help understand the
solar system is *to observe meteors* regularly, and in a scientifically
useful way! After all, what amateur visual meteor observing is ABOUT (aside
from being an enchanting, involving, and inexpensive hobby) is the
collection of data on interplanetary material streams... the causes of
meteor showers!
Amateurs are nearly alone in doing this type of recording in the world
right now. And data from such observations can be potentially useful in
studying planetary orbital dynamics; the distribution, density and
composition of dust particles in interplanetary space; the rapid reporting
and possible location and study of meteorites of all types; the intrusion
of interstellar material into the interplanetary environment; among other
areas!
Without data on a wide variety of phenomena (including meteoroid streams),
we are unlikely to understand our solar system well enough in the near
future to prevent potential disasters. And without that understanding, no
amount of sound and fury among the public will be helpful - probably the
reverse, actually...
So amateur meteor observers should keep in mind the importance of what they
do scientifically - especially when they're first starting out! And others,
(perhaps unfamiliar with the field of planetary studies) should keep this
in mind as well... Now let's try to focus the discussion on our list back
onto what we amateur meteor observers (a RARE resource) can best do to help!
In other words, watching meteors. :)
Clear skies,
Lew