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Re: (meteorobs) weather prospects
Thanks for your response, Douglas. Here are the basic facts: the experiment
will be held at a remote site about 40 miles south of Kingman, AZ. It's
about 130 miles NW of Phoenix via US 93. I will arrive in the late afternoon
of the 16th, and we'll only be observing for the single night of the 17th -
18th. There really isn't any preparation necessary, and I don't expect any
special talents from you. Not one of my other observers has any experience
whatsoever in astronomy. The biggest hassle for you is driving to the site.
Yes, you'll have to push buttons on a keypad when you see a meteor, but
that's the only "skill" you need to learn. The system is set up so that
you'll be touch-typing with one hand; I don't want you taking your eyes away
from the sky to punch stupid buttons. You will be assigned a section of sky
to cover, and given a butterfly chair with footstool to sit in -- it will
naturally point you in the right direction.
Factors that would detract from the experience: the social atmosphere during
observations will be rather cold, as I discourage chatter as a distraction.
I'll be asking you to observe for four hours straight, although if your
performance falters from fatigue, then I won't ask you to continue. If the
shower is going great guns, then you'll surely be too excited to stop, and
if the shower dwindles away after the first peak at 3:00 AM, then I really
don't need much more data anyway. You can of course take short breaks during
this time -- indeed, my system is designed to record and compensate for such
breaks.
Factors that would enhance the experience: there will be a variety of
creature comforts available in the form of a real bathroom, a steady supply
of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, and provisions for heating any hot water
bottle or hand-warmers you bring. The biggest benefit, I think, will be the
opportunity to participate in a unique experiment. Nothing like this has
ever been done, and certainly nothing on this scale. If we really do get the
full complement of 28 observers, we will have data that can be used to
answer a variety of questions that meteor astronomers have simply had to
accept as unanswerable. Even with only eight observers, we'll be able to
answer some important questions about filament structure. Lastly, if you
wish, I will teach you some techniques for meteor observing that will
enhance your count.
I don't want you to come if you would find the experience less than what you
could get by yourself. The decision boils down to personal taste. To what
extent is astronomy (for you) about "the mysteries of the universe"? To what
extent is it about "beautiful things in the sky"?
Either way you decide, best of luck in your viewing.
Chris
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