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(meteorobs) Meteor Activity for May 5-11, 2000
The crescent moon is now entering the evening sky and will cause modest
interference to early evening observers. The antihelion radiant (ECL)
will be well positioned for observations once the moon has set. The
center of this region has left the constellation of Libra and has
entered Scorpius. On Saturday evening the center of this large source of
activity lies near 15:55 -20, which is very close to the famous double
star Acrab, also known as Graffias. Any slow meteor from this general
region should be considered a member of this shower so any meteors from
western Scorpius and eastern Libra can be considered part of this
activity. Observers reporting directly to the IMO should label these
slow meteors "SAG".
The center of the apex (APX/SPO) source is located in central
Capricornus at 21:10 -16 on Saturday morning. This area of the sky does
not rise until after 0200 for most observers in the Northern Hemisphere
so it will be a bit difficult to see any activity. More studies into
this source has revealed that there are two distinct areas located 15
degrees north and 15 degree south of the center. The southern portion
would be too low for most observers to follow but the northern branch at
21:10 -01 (in western Aquarius) should be much easier. It would be
interesting to see just what area produces any activity. Be sure not to
mix these swift meteors up with the more active Eta Aquarids, whose
radiant is located 25 degrees to the east. This week any meteor
traveling westward from this direction would be most likely an Eta
Aquarid.
The Eta Aquarid (ETA) meteor shower is predicted to reach maximum
activity on Friday morning May 5. This shower has a broad peak rather
than a sharp peak like the Perseids and Leonids. This means that
activity a day or two before or after the 5th will still supply good
rates. At the time of this writing (May 3) rates are up to 10/hr as
seen from latitude 33 North. On Saturday morning the radiant will be
located at 22:32 -2 which is just south of the well known pattern
called the "Water Jar". The area of the sky does not rise until
approximately 0230 Local Daylight Time for most observers in the
Northern Hemisphere so watching for these shower members before then
will prove futile. Rates should range from 5/hr near 50 N latitude to
25+/hr south of 25 N. The Eta Aquarids are swift meteors with the
brighter members leaving persistent trains. Do not waste this
opportunity to see a major meteor display as most of the remaining
displays for 2000 are hampered by the moon!
Finally sporadic rates have decreased slightly. I would expect to see
3-4 sporadic meteors during the evening hours and perhaps 6-7 during the
morning hours as seen from dark rural observing sites.
Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
AMS Visual Program Coordinator
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