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Meteor Activity Outlook for February 15-21, 2020

by - Feb 17, 2020 -

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Saturday February 15th. At this time the moon will lie 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise near 01:00 local standard time (LST). These conditions are fine for the slow evening hours when the moon lies below the horizon. The more active morning hours will have interference from the moon but one can still obtain useful data as long you face away from the lunar glare. As the week progresses the waning crescent moon will rise later in the morning, allowing less interference during these more active hours.

Meteor Activity Outlook for February 8-14, 2020

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Sunday February 9th. At this time the moon will lie opposite the sun and will lie above the horizon all night long. As the week progresses the waning gibbous moon will rise later in the evening, allowing dark skies for a few hours during the early evening hours. Unfortunately this is the worst time to view meteor activity as rates are only 1-2 per hour at best.

by - Feb 7, 2020 -

Meteor Activity Outlook for February 01-07, 2020

During this period the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Sunday February 2nd. At this time the moon will lie 90 degrees east of the sun and will set between midnight and 01:00 local standard time (LST). As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will enter the morning sky, shrinking the window of opportunity to view meteor activity under dark skies.

by - Feb 2, 2020 - 2

Meteor Activity Outlook for January 25-31, 2020

During this period the moon waxes from new to nearly half-illuminated. This weekend the moon will lie near the sun and will be invisible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but set long before the more active morning hours arrive.

by - Jan 25, 2020 - 5

Meteor Activity Outlook for January 18-24 , 2020

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Saturday January 18th. At this time the half illuminated moon will rise near 0100 local standard time (LST) and will remain in the sky the remainder of the night. Useful meteor observations are possible at this time as long as the bright moon is kept out of your field of view. Lunar conditions will improve with each passing night as the moon wanes and rises later in the morning.

by - Jan 17, 2020 - 6

Latest Major Fireball Events

Everyday, we receive reports about fireballs from all around the world. Here are some of the latest major Fireball Events (with at least 30 reports):

    Browse all events Report a Fireball

    Pending Fireball Reports

    We are currently investigating 5 reports about fireballs seen over AZ, IL and CA.

    We are also currently investigating 6 reports from United Kingdom.

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    Michael Rogus
    Credit: Michael Rogus

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    Credit: T. McGarrigle

    2018 was a pretty good year for AMS

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    New Year Meteorite recovered in Italy

    by - Jan 6, 2020 - 3

    So far, two 55g meteorites have been recovered from a fall that happened over Italy on January, 1st. This fall has been caught on video by the French/Italian fireball camera network Vigie-Ciel/FRIPON & PRISMA.

    Viewing the 2020 Quadrantid Meteor Shower

    by - Dec 30, 2019 - 12

    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.

    Meteor Activity Outlook for December 21-27, 2019

    by - Dec 20, 2019 -

    During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Thursday December 26th. At this time the moon will be located near the sun and will be invisible at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise during the early morning hours but will not interfere with meteor observing as long as you keep it out of your field of view.