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Re: (meteorobs) Re: FOV of Field definition

Dustin,
I just want to add a caveat to Kim's advice: While keeping a steady 
FOV is important, it is a lower priority than 'F', the field obstruction 
factor. If the sky is clear, then of course keep a reasonably 
constant FOV in the center of your gaze. However, if significant 
clouds interfere, it is allowed (and preferable) to shift your FOV 
around so your gaze remains centered in the largest clear opening 
of sky between the clouds. Why? Because it is more important to 
keep the central high-acuity portion of your visual field 
UNOBSTRUCTED, because the 'F' obstruction factor is used 
directly in calculating ZHR, and should be minimized as much as 
possible. 'F', like LM and the time of observation, hence radiant 
elevation, are the most crucial parameters to keep track of.

Merry meteor observing! Ho ho ho.
Mike.

On 18 Dec 2000, at 22:02, Dustin Brown wrote:

> Is a little eye wandering considered OK.  For example staying within one constellation
> ?
> Dustin
> 
> Kim Youmans wrote:
> 
> > I thought it might be helpful to add that observers should update their field of
> > view once per hour for multiple hour sessions.   Also, anytime the observer
> > re-orients his/her position it should be noted in the FOV.
> >         As a beginner, there was a bit of mystery that I had to clear up as far as
> > orientaion during a session.  Is it OK to look all around, back behind me, to the
> > right or left, if I plan on writing a report? The answer is basically no. I was
> > told it was important to keep oneself focused on the FOV recorded (or noted).
> > Kim Y.
> >
> > Robert Lunsford wrote:
> >
> > > Jason,
> > >
> > > FOV stands for field of view. What you want to report here is the center
> > > of your field of view expressed in celestial coordinates. For instance
> > > if the bright star Regulus was center in your field for a particular
> > > period then you would enter 10:05 (151 degrees) for right ascension and
> > > +12 for declination. It would look like 10:05 +12 or 151 +12. This gives
> > > everyone an idea of what part of the sky you were looking at when you
> > > recorded your meteors. This figure can be used in the calculation of
> > > your rates and perception. These celestial coordinates can be obtained
> > > from any star atlas.
> > >
> > > I hope this helps!
> > >
> > > Bob Lunsford
> > >
> > > "Shanley, Jason" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Could anyone define Field or FOV that is submitted with visual reports? I am
> > > > not sure what to report under this category.
> > > > Jason Shanley
> > > > AstraZeneca
> > > > RmB209
> > > > 1800 Concord Pike
> > > > Wilmington, De 19850
> > > > (302) 886 3972
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> >
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