[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
(meteorobs) Next major shower
Just a note that I am sure all subscribers must be aware of. On Tuesday
December 14, 1999 the Geminids shower will occur. The Observers
Handbook 1999 of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada gives the
predicted maximum at 18h UT, Solar Longitude of 262.3 degrees with a ZHR
95 (the NAMM calendar says 120). The Moon is very favorable being only
about a week old, it will set around 23 hour UT depending on your
latitude.
I still don't know what's the meaning of this solar longitude with
respect to observing meteors. It evidentially tells you where to be at
the peak of the activity of a shower? I have all kinds of books from
basic astronomy to cosmology, astrometrics to relativity. I have quite a
large library. However no mention of solar longitude. It can't really
represent the western position of the sun or our recent Leonids would
have been in sunshine at the maximum. This must seem dumb of me, to
someone who knows the answer.
By the way if my health and weather are favorable, I hope to go to
dark skies to observe the Geminids.
To UNSUBSCRIBE from the 'meteorobs' email list, use the Web form at:
http://www.tiacdot net/users/lewkaren/meteorobs/subscribe.html
Follow-Ups: