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(meteorobs) Re: memorable meteors
This has been an interesting thread! Thanks for all who have taken the
time to reply.
There have been many highs and a few lows during my observing career.
Undoubtedly the highlight so far has been the 99 Leonid storm seen from
Spain. While this was an awesome event the element of surprise elevates
some sessions to near the top of the list. This was the case on November
16, 1998 when only 50 or so meteors were seen, but three of them were
-12 or brighter. Another surprise was the 82 Lyrids which was much
better placed for eastern viewers. It's also odd that Marco and I
observed a Xi Draconid outburst, not a few hours apart , but 3 and a
half days apart in June 1996!
What one single meteor stands apart from the rest? The -16 to -20 Leonid
seen on November 16, 1998 would seem like a shoo-in but it was not that
well seen (being at the edge of my field of view) and the resulting
train was hindered by the light pollution of San Diego. More impressive
to me was a Perseid of magnitude -15 or so that was well seen,
photographed, and the event was captured on audio tape. The resulting 13
minute train was also well placed. Another bright sporadic that occurred
on December 14, 1992 was also special as it was the only meteor that
created any noise, a sonic boom that occurred a few minutes after the
event.
May your future sessions be filled with memorable events!
Bob Lunsford
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