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(meteorobs) Picking a meteor observing site (Was Re: Geminids observing)
Jason, I would say get to the darker site - so long as it's comfortable to
observe there in the early morning, and in the cold! Keep in mind that you do
NOT need to look East to observe the Geminids, or any other shower except in
rare cases... Instead, face whatever direction allows you:
a) The ability to LOOK BACK (or around) to see the shower radiant - actually
around theta Geminorum, the northern "elbow" of the twins right now! This is key
only because you must be able to trace your meteor back toward that radiant
point very easily, to be sure you actually DID see a Geminid! Otherwise, your
Geminid counts are liable to be "polluted" with Sporadics, or vice versa.
b) To see the largest area of the sky, WHILE LOOKING ABOUT 60-70o above the
horizon! Having a zero-degree-elevation horizon is not really necessary, as
long as you're facing a direction that allows you to look UP and not see any
obstructions in your field of view - and also no extra light, if possible!
To sum it up:
So long as you're comfortable and safe for the night, dark skies are more
important than facing any particular direction, to see the most meteors.
BTW, to find out exactly where the Geminid radiant is any given night, see:
http://www.imodot net/calendar/cal99.html#Geminids
Good luck this weekend - GEM rates will be very low at first, but it is so
much FUN to watch them slooowly ramp up to the big crescendo on max night!
Clear skies,
Lew
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