Meteor Section        

 
 

January 12, 2024

This post discusses the expected meteor activity and lunar conditions for the upcoming week. It is focused on North American latitudes but may be used in all locations. Sky charts displaying current radiant positions are provided for early evening hours, mid-night, and the hour prior to dawn. European readers may wish to use the charts in the same article at www.imo.net for better accuracy.

To access the meteor activity outlook, click on: Meteor Activity Outlook for January 13-19, 2024

We welcome hourly reports on meteor activity at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Reports of individual fireballs should be filled out at: https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro/

Meteor Activity Outlooks for observers in the southern hemisphere are available upon request at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Clear Skies!

Robert Lunsford

ALPO Meteors Section Coordinator

 
 

January 5, 2024

This post discusses the expected meteor activity and lunar conditions for the upcoming week. It is focused on North American latitudes but may be used in all locations. Sky charts displaying current radiant positions are provided for early evening hours, mid-night, and the hour prior to dawn. European readers may wish to use the charts in the same article at www.imo.net for better accuracy.

To access the meteor activity outlook, click on: Meteor Activity Outlook for January 6-12, 2024

We welcome hourly reports on meteor activity at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Reports of individual fireballs should be filled out at: https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro/

Meteor Activity Outlooks for observers in the southern hemisphere are available upon request at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Clear Skies!

Robert Lunsford

ALPO Meteors Section Coordinator

 
 

The illustration above displays the orbits of actual Quadrantid meteors captured on multiple video cameras. The angle of the view in this illustration can be altered by using your mouse pointer. Scroll to zoom. Courtesy Dr. Peter Jenniskens, the SETI Institute, California USA

The Quadrantids can be one of the strongest displays of the year, yet they are difficult to observe. The main factor is that the display of strong activity only has a duration of about 6 hours. The reason the peak is so short is due to the shower’s thin stream of particles and the fact that the Earth crosses the stream at a perpendicular angle. Therefore the Earth passes through the densest portion of the stream quite quickly. Meteors from this source can be seen for two weeks centered on January 4th, but hourly rates away from the date of maximum activity are very low. Unlike most meteor showers which originate from comets, the Quadrantids have been found to originate from an asteroid. Asteroid 2003 EH1 takes 5.52 years to orbit the sun. It is possible that 2003 EH1 is a “dead comet” or a new kind of object being discussed by astronomers sometimes called a “rock comet.”

These meteors were first noted in 1825 and appeared to radiate from the obsolete constellation of Quadrans Muralis (Mural Quadrant). Today, this area of the sky lies within the boundaries of the constellation of Boötes the herdsman. During early January nights as seen from the northern hemisphere, this area of the sky lies very low in the northwest in the evening sky. Very little activity is normally seen at this time. As the night progresses this area of the sky swings some 40 degrees beneath the northern celestial pole. From areas south of 40 degrees north latitude, it actually passes below the horizon. It then begins a slow rise into the northeastern sky where it obtains a useful altitude around 02:00 local standard time (depending on your latitude). It is between this time and dawn that you will have your best chance to view these meteors. If the peak occurs during this time you will be in for a treat as rates could exceed 100 per hour as seen from rural locations under a moonless sky. Unfortunately a half-illuminated moon will rise shortly after midnight this year and moonlight will tend to obscure the faintest meteors. While moonlight will be a nuisance, it is not nearly as bad when a full moon is present. Successful observations can be undertaken by facing northward away from the moon. Using a tree or building to block the moonlight will also help you view more activity.

The sky at 21:00 local standard time as seen from 40 degrees north latitude

The sky at 21:00 local standard time as seen from 40 degrees north latitude

The sky at midnight local standard time as seen from 40 degrees north latitude

The sky at midnight local standard time as seen from 40 degrees north latitude

The sky at 05:00 local standard time as seen from 40 degrees north latitude

The sky at 05:00 local standard time as seen from 40 degrees north latitude

 

The charts above depict the entire sky facing north during the evening, midnight, and morning hours as seen from 40 north latitude. The circle represents the position of the Quadrantid radiant on the night of January 3/4, 2024. The streaks represent Quadrantid meteors as seen throughout the night. Notice how the radiant lies on the horizon during the evening hours and slowly rises as the night progresses. It’s easy to see why more meteors are visible during the morning hours when the radiant lies higher in the sky and the horizon blocks less of the activity! Also notice in the chart for 5:00 that the moon now is present in the sky in the constellation of Virgo near the bright star known as Spica.

Predictions for the peak of the 2024 Quadrantids range from 9:00 to 15:00 Universal Time on January 4th. The earlier time favors North American observers while the later peak favors the eastern Pacific area including the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska. Those viewing from the southern hemisphere will not see much activity at all as the radiant does not rise very high in their sky before dawn intervenes.

The best strategy to see the most activity is to face the northern half of the sky with the moon at your back from 2:00 onward. By facing this direction you be able to see meteors shoot out of the radiant in all directions. This will make it easy to differentiate between the Quadrantids and meteors from other sources. To provide a scientific useful observing session one needs to carefully note the starting and ending time of your session. If you are able to provide the time of each meteor, that would help tremendously in analyzing the strength of the shower. The type of meteor needs to be recorded as well as its magnitude. Other parameters that can be recorded are colors, velocity (degrees per second or verbal description) and whether the meteor left a persistent train. Fireballs should be noted and a separate online form filled out after the session.

Serious observers should watch for at least an hour as numerous peaks and valleys of activity will occur. If you only few for a short time it may coincide with a lull of activity. Watching for at least an hour guarantees you will get to see the best this display has to offer. Besides sharing your data with the us, observers are also encouraged to fill out a visual observing form on the website of the International Meteor Organization . You must register with the IMO to use the form, but there is an option of registering for free if you do not wish to become a full-fledged member. Data is often scarce for this display, especially when the moon interferes. Therefore if your skies are clear please make an effort to view this display. If will be your last opportunity to view enhanced meteor activity until the eta Aquariids peak in May.

The Quadrantids also offer those interested in observing meteor showers by radio a good opportunity to view strong activity. Meteors do not emit radio waves, but they act as mirrors and reflect radio waves from distant transmitters which aren’t heard otherwise. This is called forward scatter, opposed to backscatter where the transmitter and receiver are at the same place (radar). For practical reasons the frequency range 50 – 150 MHz (wavelength 6 m – 2 m) is used. This includes amongst others the FM band and TV transmitters which haven’t switched yet to digital. Most reflections are short (less than a second), but brighter meteors can cause reflections lasting minutes. The shortest radio reflections are caused by faint meteors, fainter than visual ones. Contrary to visual rates, the radio rates are not maximal when the radiant of a stream is in the zenith, but rather when it is 45 degrees high. For higher elevations, the rates decrease again. Radio reflections can be observed regardless of daylight, clouds, or moonlight, allowing more complete views of streams. The best timing to pick up Quadrantids would be near 04:00 and again near 13:00 (1pm) local standard time on January 4th. The Quadrantids activity is one of the best of the year, but lasts only one day.

We look forward to seeing your results!

Robert Lunsford & Christian Steyaert

 
 

December 29, 2023

This post discusses the expected meteor activity and lunar conditions for the upcoming week. It is focused on North American latitudes but may be used in all locations. Sky charts displaying current radiant positions are provided for early evening hours, mid-night, and the hour prior to dawn. European readers may wish to use the charts in the same article at www.imo.net for better accuracy.

To access the meteor activity outlook, click on:  Meteor Activity Outlook for December 30, 2023-January 5, 2024

We welcome hourly reports on meteor activity at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Reports of individual fireballs should be filled out at: https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro/

Meteor Activity Outlooks for observers in the southern hemisphere are available upon request at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Clear Skies!

Robert Lunsford

ALPO Meteors Section Coordinator

 
 

December 22, 2023

This post discusses the expected meteor activity and lunar conditions for the upcoming week. It is focused on North American latitudes but may be used in all locations. Sky charts displaying current radiant positions are provided for early evening hours, mid-night, and the hour prior to dawn. European readers may wish to use the charts in the same article at www.imo.net for better accuracy.

To access the meteor activity outlook, click on: Meteor Activity Outlook for December 23-29, 2023

We welcome hourly reports on meteor activity at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Reports of individual fireballs should be filled out at: https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro/

Meteor Activity Outlooks for observers in the southern hemisphere are available upon request at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Clear Skies!

Robert Lunsford

ALPO Meteors Section Coordinator

 
 

December 15, 2023

This post discusses the expected meteor activity and lunar conditions for the upcoming week. It is focused on North American latitudes but may be used in all locations. Sky charts displaying current radiant positions are provided for early evening hours, mid-night, and the hour prior to dawn. European readers may wish to use the charts in the same article at www.imo.net for better accuracy.

To access the meteor activity outlook, click on:  Meteor Activity Outlook for December 16-22, 2023

We welcome hourly reports on meteor activity at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Reports of individual fireballs should be filled out at: https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro/

Meteor Activity Outlooks for observers in the southern hemisphere are available upon request at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Clear Skies!

Robert Lunsford

ALPO Meteors Section Coordinator

 
 
Position of the Geminids radiant on Dec 14th.  North is up in this illustration

The Geminids are active from November 24 through December 24, but don’t kick into high gear until the second week of December. The moon reaches its last quarter phase on December 4th and viewing conditions improve with each passing night as the moon’s phase wanes toward new. Maximum activity is predicted to occur on the night of December 13/14. Hourly rates of 10 can be seen as early as December 6th, but the waning crescent moon may reduce that a bit. By December 10th hourly rates should reach 25 with little lunar interference. By December 12th the moon has reached its new phase and hourly rates should reach 50 as seen from dark sky sites with a limiting magnitude of at least +6.5. Rates are expected to be near 60 on the night of the 12/13 and peak near 80 on the 13/14. The fall from maximum is much more rapid than its climb. Rates on the 14/15 are expected to still be near 60 but will have fallen to less than 20 per hour on the night of 15/16. I highly suggest you take advantage of any clear nights in this period as these rates are some of the highest of the year and shouldn’t be wasted.

Near maximum the Geminid radiant is located near the bright star Castor (alpha Geminorum) and is easy to locate (See the illustration above). All Geminid meteors will trace back to this area of the sky. If you observe prior to the maximum the radiant will be approximately one-degree further west for each night prior to the 14th. Near maximum a great majority of all the meteors seen will be Geminids. Reports with 100% Geminid meteors are difficult to believe though as sporadic activity is still strong this time of year plus minor showers from Hydra, Monoceros, and Leo Minor should contribute meteors too.

 

Peter Slansky created this composite from images taken on the night of December 13/14, 2020, from near Bayrischzell, Germany. Notice how all of these Geminid meteors shoot from one point in the sky. This is what one would see if facing directly at the radiant for several hours. North is toward the bottom of this image. © Peter Slansky

The Geminids are one of the few meteors showers that are visible all night long, at least as seen from the northern hemisphere. During the early evening hours, the radiant lies low in the eastern sky and Geminid meteors are often long and long-lasting. Rates are low at this time as the horizon blocks a sizable percentage of the Geminid meteors striking the atmosphere. As the night progresses activity will increase as the radiant gains altitude. The radiant lies highest in the sky between the hours of 1:00 and 2:00 local standard time. These are the prime hours to view Geminid activity, but the two hours prior and post maximum can be impressive too! No matter what time it is, Geminid meteors can be seen in any part of the sky. Most of the activity will actually be seen in the lower portion of the sky so when you are observing, look half-way up with the bottom of your field of view just above the horizon. Don’t let trees or other obstructions block your view. Look a little bit higher if necessary or just change your direction. It also helps to look toward the darkest direction possible to help you see faint meteors. Most articles advise you to look 90 degrees from the radiant where the shower meteors are longest. Personally, I don’t like changing directions during a viewing session, especially when the weather is cool. Therefore, I aim my view so that the radiant drifts through my field of view during the midpoint of the session. With the radiant high overhead like the Geminids, the radiant actually skims the top portion of my field of view and not the central area. This also allows me to also keep tabs on the minor showers active in Monoceros, Hydra, and Leo Minor during my watch.

Don’t go outside and stand to try and view the Geminid activity. Your neck will quickly stiffen and you will soon tire. I suggest using a comfortable lounge chair that allows you to view the sky comfortably. Bring a pillow and plenty of blankets to keep warm. Those who wish to contribute meteor counts should watch for at least one hour. The reason for this is that meteoroids are distributed randomly in outer space. When quoted hourly rates are 60, this does not mean you will see one meteor every minute. There will be 5 to 10 minute periods when little activity is evident. There will also be periods of similar length when there will be continuous activity of 3-4 meteors per minute. There are several “peaks” and “valleys” of meteor activity each hour so if you only watch for a short time, you may find yourself viewing during one of the lulls of activity.

Geminid meteors strike the Earth’s atmosphere from a perpendicular angle, therefore their velocity is of a medium speed. Unlike the super-fast Leonids, the Geminids tend to last from one-half up to one full second. The fastest Geminids will be seen 90 degrees from the radiant and high in the sky. Those that appear close to the radiant will appear slower and shorter as they are shooting toward you. This slower velocity does not often produce persistent trains, so this feature is rare for Geminids. The longer lasting Geminids provide good opportunities for meteor photography. As stated before, the highest number of meteors will appear in the lower portion of the sky above the horizon. In that portion of the sky, you are looking through the thickest slice of atmosphere, which is not good for looking through a telescope, but great for meteor watching and photography. Have you ever noticed that a majority of fireball photos are centered low in the sky? This is the reason why.

Viewing meteor activity is a great way to easily contribute to science by being a citizen scientist. In order to produce scientifically useful data you need to view for at least one hour and provide shower associations with each meteor you witness. It also is necessary to provide us with cloud conditions and the magnitude of the faintest star you can see. The limiting magnitude is easily done by counting the number of stars visible with certain areas of the sky – see also https://www.imo.net/observations/methods/visual-observation/ and here for more tips on viewing meteor showers. In order to share your observations it is suggest that you to fill out a visual meteor report form from the International Meteor Organization. This is only available to registered members, but this option is free to those who just wish to contribute data. We strongly encourage everyone to join the IMO as a full member as detailed analysis of the Geminids and others meteors showers are presented in the IMO Journal. Of course email correspondence directly to Robert Lunsford is always welcomed too!

We wish you good luck and look forward to seeing your viewing results!

 

This illustration of debris from 3200 Phaethon orbiting the sun is provided by Dr. Peter Jenniskens, SETI Institute/NASA/Ames Research Center. Use your mouse to change the angle of the illustration and your mouse wheel to zoom in and out.

 

 
 

December 9, 2023

This post discusses the expected meteor activity and lunar conditions for the upcoming week. It is focused on North American latitudes but may be used in all locations. Sky charts displaying current radiant positions are provided for early evening hours, mid-night, and the hour prior to dawn. European readers may wish to use the charts in the same article at www.imo.net for better accuracy.

To access the meteor activity outlook, click on:  Meteor Activity Outlook for December 9-15, 2023

We welcome hourly reports on meteor activity at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Reports of individual fireballs should be filled out at: https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro/

Meteor Activity Outlooks for observers in the southern hemisphere are available upon request at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Clear Skies!

Robert Lunsford

ALPO Meteors Section Coordinator

 
 

December 2, 2023

This post discusses the expected meteor activity and lunar conditions for the upcoming week. It is focused on North American latitudes but may be used in all locations. Sky charts displaying current radiant positions are provided for early evening hours, mid-night, and the hour prior to dawn. European readers may wish to use the charts in the same article at www.imo.net for better accuracy.

To access the meteor activity outlook, click on:  Meteor Activity Outlook for December 2-8, 2023

We welcome hourly reports on meteor activity at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Reports of individual fireballs should be filled out at: https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro/

Meteor Activity Outlooks for observers in the southern hemisphere are available upon request at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Clear Skies!

Robert Lunsford

ALPO Meteors Section Coordinator

 
 

November 24, 2023

This post discusses the expected meteor activity and lunar conditions for the upcoming week. It is focused on North American latitudes but may be used in all locations. Sky charts displaying current radiant positions are provided for early evening hours, mid-night, and the hour prior to dawn. European readers may wish to use the charts in the same article at www.imo.net for better accuracy.

To access the meteor activity outlook, click on:   Meteor Activity Outlook for November 25-December 1, 2023

We welcome hourly reports on meteor activity at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Reports of individual fireballs should be filled out at: https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo/report_intro/

Meteor Activity Outlooks for observers in the southern hemisphere are available upon request at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Clear Skies!

Robert Lunsford

ALPO Meteors Section Coordinator

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