(meteorobs) November 17/18

I am just getting started with observing meteors, so kindly pardon my lack of details re LM's, shower associations, and magnitudes. I hope to learn enough by next year's Leonids to submit more usable data. I observed from my backyard in Westchester County, NY (41.02N, 73.46W). I really gotta move if I want to get serious about observing. Between houses and trees, my sky is obscured about 30-40% which is a bad start. However, I was able to use these obstructions to block the moon and other light pollution sources to a large extent.

The sky was totally clear of clouds, though not as dark as some other nights this Fall. Best guess at LM - 5.0 - 5.5. Temperatures around 30 degrees F, little or no wind. I do a lot of skiing and enjoy cold weather, so the temp's were no problem, just put on the right clothes and pretend you're in the Caribbean. Started observing at 7:24UT (2:24 EST) and put a camera on a tripod next to me to try some photos, as well. Had binoculars and a Meade ETX-90 telescope, but never touched them. Couldn't get my eyes away from the sky!

I observed 47 meteors in the next 60 minutes. Breakdown by 15 minute intervals: 8, 21, 11, 7. Ten had trails lasting no more than 1 second. Two were blue, one red/yellow. Most traveled 10 - 15 degrees and appeared to be Leonids by their direction of movement away from the moon/LEO. Estimated range of magnitudes: -3 to +3. Many pairs seen within a few seconds and one triple (#18, #19, & #20). None seen simultaneously. One pair appeared along same path, as if it were a single meteor that "blinked" off and then on again as it traveled.

Saw another 7 meteors over next 30 minutes, while experimenting with the camera. As I was heading inside, I turned for a final look and saw the Little Dipper that was behind trees from where I had been observing. I set up the camera again to try a five minute exposure. After the shutter was open, I noticed an airplane traveling from the southeast. It made a slight turn and crossed through the bowl of the Little Dipper. Can't wait to see how it looks on the film.