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(meteorobs) Fwd: Observing Alert: Ursids


------- Forwarded Message

Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2000 14:27:11 -0500
From: Mark Davis <MeteorObs@charlestondot net>
Subject: Observing Alert: Ursids

Below is a request for observations from NAMN member Richard Taibi. There is
a possibility for an outburst this month from the Ursids. Review the alert
below, and if you need more information, visit the NAMN website (or email
me) at the addresses below. Information on the Ursids is also available in
the December issue of NAMN Notes. Good luck!!

Mark Davis, MeteorObs@charlestondot net
Goose Creek, South Carolina, USA
Coordinator, North American Meteor Network
=======================================================
NAMN:   http://web.infoavedot net/~meteorobs
=======================================================


METEOR ALERT: Request for 2000 Ursid Observations

There is good reason to suspect an Ursid outburst in 2000. The
Ursid shower, active Dec 17-26, has been poorly observed this
century.  However, three times in the last 55 years visual and radio
observers have witnessed enhanced rates (substantially greater than the ZHR
of 10 quoted in the IMO 2000 Meteor Shower Calendar).  The last outburst, in
1986, was seen by two Norwegians.  One saw 94 Ursids in four hours. The
second saw 75 in two hours.

The peculiar aspect of these three outbursts is that they have occurred 6
years after the parent comet (Tuttle) has returned to perihelion.

Because Comet Tuttle last passed its perihelion in June 1994, we should
expect another good display this year - if debris distribution in the
comet's orbital path remains comparable to that in 1945, 1973, and 1986
(the years of previous outbursts).

The IMO reports that the Ursid maximum this year will occur at 6h UT on
Dec 22.  Radio data from 1996 suggests that 8h 30m UT on Dec 22 is equally
possible as a maximum.  This year, the moon is a waning crescent on Dec 22,
so that lunar light pollution will be minor.

Please make time in your busy end of year activities to observe this
shower this year.  Continuous monitoring by observers at all longitudes will
provide badly needed data about Ursids, and you may even see the latest
outburst!

Richard Taibi

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