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(meteorobs) Perseids
Over the last two nights we observed the perseids from our deck, here in
semi-rural northern California, aprroximately 30 miles north of San
Francisco.
Tuesday night the light pollution was higher and (perhaps consequently)
the rates of meteors were lower. The Milky Way was barely visible the
first night, but clearer the second night, particularly later in the
evening. With Vega as our anchor point (directly overhead), and tall
palm tree for direction, even the most inexperienced observers could
contribute, and determine if a meteor was a Perseid or a sporadic.
I didn't take notes, but there was a group of us, and no meteorite was
counted unless at least two people saw it.
Monday: Obs time 9:00 pm to 11:00 PDT,
22 Meteors total, 4 were sporadics, remainder Perseids, with two
"quality" Mag 1 or better.
6 Satellites, 5 Jets, and 3 stealth meterorites (aka Bats)
Primary observing direction was South and West, approx 60% of
sky visible
Tuesday: Obs Time 9:00 pm to 12:00 am PDT
43 Meteors total, 7 were sporadics, remainder Perseids, with 5
"quality" meteorites.
5 Satellites, 7 Jets, and 6 Bats
Primary observing direction was North and West. approx 70% of
sky visible.
This was a fun way to introduce a group of local teenagers to astronomy.
None of whom were particularly interested before, but now are planning
to try again for the Leonids in November.
Robert.