Re: (meteorobs) LM Reports

To: Meteor Observing Mailing List <meteorobs@jovian.com>
Subject: Re: (meteorobs) LM Reports
From: Lew Gramer <dedalus@latrade.com>
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 18:51:50 -0500
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Sat, 29 Jan 2000 16:07:32 PST." <389380C3.9DEE2B59@earthlinkdot net>
Reply-To: meteorobs@jovian.com
Sender: owner-meteorobs@jovian.com


>I was pleased to learn that one only need to report the zenith LM for
>meteor observations.  At my Latitude I will need only eight
>constellation LM references.  At the equator you will need at least
>twelve and Santa Claus will only need one 8-).

Hey, don't forget that even SANTA should be trying to find the THREE areas
nearest to the Zenith for his LM count. This may actually mean counting some
areas at or even slightly below the 40 degree altitude limit.

And if you can't find three convenient areas to count in a given half hour, then
try to count AT LEAST TWO as close to the Zenith as you can get, and just try to
vary which areas you are using for each half hour as the night goes on...

For example, if I'm out observing after midnight on a crisp February night from
New England, I may select Area 3 off the western end of the Big Dipper, and Area
4 in the arms of Gemini during my first half hour. During the next half hour to
an hour, I may try to include Area 9 in Leo, and have to drop Area 4. Finally,
as the night grows late, I may drop Area 3 or Area 9 and switch to Area 16,
which lies between the handle of the Big Dipper and Cor Coroli.

These are just examples: what Areas you choose to count must be chosen by you
based on your particular horizon (both obstruction and light pollution in
certain directions), what direction you face (which is partly determined by what
showers are active as well as local conditions), and what altitude your head is
directed at (are you on a lawn chair? flat sleeping bag?)...

Clear skies everyone,
Lew


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