We had much the same results from Osceola Nat’l Forest.
Activity began around 3am. The rates were low between 3
and 5 am, but were increasing very slowly during that time. Rates really ramped
up between 5:30 and 6:00. I was trying my hand at guided meteor photography and
was not participating in the counting, but rates during this 30 minute period
approached 900/hour based on the experienced observers that were present and counting.
I am sure they will be submitting their reports to one of the meteor reporting
sites. By my observations, in the last half hour before sunrise they were
impacting the atmosphere at a high rate (one every second or two average and
occasionally groups of 10 or so every 4 seconds) but not as many (or as bright)
as last year. The earthgrazers to begin the shower were not as spectacular or
as frequent as last year either, and moonlight definitely was a factor. Last
year flashes and detonations, this year the brightest flashes were from the
local newspaper photographer doing a story on the astronomy club. (He did give
us warning to shut our eyes & shutters). However, it was still a very nice
display, and I found myself wishing for a few more hours of darkness to observe
the remainder of the shower (which was quickly approaching storm levels as the
sun rose). Hopefully the folks further west were able to enjoy more of it. What
meant the most to me was that my 10 year old son was able to observe with me this
year and his excitement made up for my cold wet feet (It is swampy out there!).
By the end of the night he was ooohing and ahhhing with the best of them, and
even shouting out when he spotted a satellite. The ISS also made a pass to the
northeast around 5:10. Overall quite an experience, although not as mind
blowing as last year. Sorry I can’t help more with official rates and counts. I
should mention the dew was very bad, worse than I’ve ever seen it. Everything
was covered with dew, except the lens of my SLR, kept warm by tips learned from
this list. Thanks!!!
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-meteorobs@atmob.org
[mailto:owner-meteorobs@atmob.org]On Behalf
Of Chuck Ferriday
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002
12:03 PM
To: meteorobs@atmob.org
Subject: (meteorobs) middlin'
meteors from middle Florida
I found a spot near Wildwood, Fla (Central, Middle Fla) where CR486
crosses the Fla Turnpike. Elevated (overpass), arranged so
that traffic lights from the
turnpike weren't visible, and CR486 had minimal traffic.
Clear skies.
But the moon...............alas....
I enjoyed a good meteor shower; actually 3. One at about 3:30,
another about 5, and then one at about 5:40am EST. I'm
sure that there was a storm going on, but I just couldn't see the
less visible streaks.
A lot of good bolides, though.
thanks
chuck ferriday