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(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for Jan. 21-27
The moon has just passed its full phase leaving the morning sky full of
intense moonlight during the entire period. Morning meteor observing
would just be a waste of time this week with such a bright moon present
in the sky. On the other hand a window of opportunity opens for some
evening observing. This window is only one hour long (the period between
nautical twilight and moonrise) on Saturday night but increases by more
than one hour each successive evening.
Observing projects for evening observers could include watching for the
Delta Cancrid shower. The radiant for this shower is currently located
near 8:48 +19 which is in eastern Cancer just about 5 degrees east of
the famous "Beehive" cluster. This area of the sky rises near 1800 (6pm)
local time and shower members would be scarce until the radiant climbs a
bit higher into the sky some 2 to 3 hours later. Even then don't expect
to see an average of more than 2 Delta Cancrids per hour. The Delta
Cancrids are medium slow meteors and often are very bright. Some of the
many reports of fireballs this month could be attributed to the Delta
Cancrids.
Another project for evening observers would be to try and detect
activity from the anti-apex point in the sky. This area of the sky lies
90 degrees east of the sun and unlike the Delta Cancrids, it is high in
the sky at dusk. These meteors are produced by meteoroids (meteors still
out in space) that travel in a direct motion (the same direction as the
Earth) and catch up with the Earth. These meteors would be very slow and
could possibly last several seconds. The position for the anti-apex
radiant Saturday evening would be near 2:08 +12 which is in southern
Aries near the borders of Pisces and Cetus. The radiant would move one
degree (twice the diameter of the moon) eastward per night. This portion
of the sky lies very high in the south at dusk and sets near midnight
local time. You can see that this would be a perfect target for evening
observers. There have been very few studies of this source of activity.
Rates are low but very little data has been obtained during these hours
of the evening. When watching at this time of the night be sure not to
mistake satellites for slow moving meteors. Satellites are most
plentiful just after dusk and just before dawn. Most of the satellites
move in a polar orbit either north to south or vice versa and can appear
in any part of the sky. Although it can be very cold this time of year
this is an excellent time to explore the skies with the entire family.
Although meteor activity is bound to be low the excitement of learning
the sky and noting satellite activity is a fun activity for all!
Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
AMS Visual Coordinator
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