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(meteorobs) Monday evening Observations
Last night, I drove up to the 7000' level of Haleakala to do some comet
and early evening meteor observations. The skies were clear near my home
at sundown, but I wanted to have better LM, so I drove up the mountain.
That was a good decision, because low strato-cumulus came in below me,
and would have spoiled my session from my house.
Right after end of twilight, I was amazed by the brightness of the
Zodiacal light! It seemed more brilliant than usual, and I could follow
it all the way to Saturn, over 90° from the sun. I wonder if that is
indicative of a higher density of dust particles near the earth at this
time, and would result in higher than normal rates of sporadics and
anti-apex meteors? But, my observed SPO tonight was not significantly
elevated.
Overall I saw 14 meteors in 2hr Teff under a perfect clear sky. Compared
to Sunday evening, the DCA rate was lower (3 in 2hr, vs 3 in 1hr) but
they were still the dominant minor shower. I saw 1 mag 2.0 alpha Hydrid,
which appeared to move about twice as swiftly as a DCA. Also, I saw 1
very slow anti-apex.
I looked out for any alpha Carinids, since the radiant had risen by the
start of my session, but none were seen. Probably too early, since their
activity period just begins on Jan 24.
The highlight of the evening was a beautiful slow mag 0.0 DCA! It looked
more like a rolling round ball with a comet-like short trail, as
compared to a thin line for the swifter meteors. So, even though the DCA
rates are low, anyone with patience will be rewarded with a fine show,
if they go out and watch, I am sure of that.
Mike Linnolt
REPORT FOLLOWS:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OBS: Mike Linnolt (LINMI)
DATE: Jan. 25, 2000
TIME: 0545 - 0800 UT (7:45pm - 10:00pm HST Jan 24/25)
LOC: Haleakala NP, Maui, HI (20° 46' N, 156° 15m W)
ELEV: 2100m
Conditions: Clear. Temp 48F. RH 30%. Winds very light.
METHOD: Paper
Observing Periods Summary:
==========================
# Period(UT) FOV Teff F LM DCA AHY CAN AA* SPO
---------- --- ---- - --- --- --- --- --- ---
1 0545-0648 05h +00 1.00 1.00 6.6 1 1 0 1 4
2 0658-0800 06h +10 1.00 1.00 6.6 2 0 0 0 5
(*AA = anti-apex)
Periods Detail:
===============
Period #1:
----------
Mag->_-3___-2___-1____0___+1___+2___+3___+4___+5___+6
-------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
DCA:................................................1 = 1
AHY:............................1.................... = 1
CAN:................................................. = 0
AA :............................1.................... = 1
SPO:......................................2....1....1 = 4
DEAD TIME: 3 min
Period #2:
----------
Mag->_-3___-2___-1____0___+1___+2___+3___+4___+5___+6
-------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
DCA:..................1........................1..... = 2
AHY:................................................. = 0
CAN:................................................. = 0
AA :................................................. = 0
SPO:.......................1..............1....2....1 = 5
DEAD TIME: 2 min
END OF REPORT.
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