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(meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for Feb. 18-24



The full moon occurs on Saturday the 19th so serious morning
observations are out of the question this week. In fact evening
observing is curtailed at least until Monday evening when there is at
least an hour gap between the end of twilight and moonrise. One could
probably watch for a half hour after moonrise but beyond that there 
becomes too much glare for worthwhile observing.

The Virginid radiant remains low in the sky for any dark periods
available early next week. It would be wise to wait another week when
the window of opportunity becomes much larger for viewing this shower.

The only worthwhile project this week would be watching for any activity
from the anti-apex radiant located high in the west once it gets dark.
The exact position for Monday evening would be 4:17 +21 which is just 5
degrees northwest of the bright orange star Aldebaran in the
constellation of Taurus. This radiant shifts 4 minutes eastward per
night if Monday evening is not available. Any activity from this area
would appear extremely slow.

Sporadic rates should average 2 per hour during evening hours before
moonrise as seen from rural observing sites.

Finally these are good times to watch for satellites since meteor
activity is expected to be slow. The satellite "Starshine" is expected
to plunge into the atmosphere sometime on Friday the 18th. To read the
latest on this occurrence plus to find a list of satellites visible from
your site I would suggest visiting the following web sites:

 http://www.wingardot demon.codot uk/starshine/
 http://www.azinet.com/starshine/
 http://www.heavens-above.com/

Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
AMS Visual Coordinator
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