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.
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.
The Orionids The Orionids, like all meteor showers, are named after the constellation in which they appear to come from,…
During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Tuesday February 12th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 0100 local standard time (LST). This will allow the more active morning hours to be free of interfering moonlight. As the week progresses beyond Tuesday the waxing gibbous moon will set later, shrinking the window of opportunity to view under optimal conditions.
During this period the moon will reach its new phase on Monday February 4th. At this time the moon will be located near the sun and will be invisible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky. It will be so thin and will set early that it will not interfere with the viewing of meteor activity during this period.
Five Moroccan researchers discovered petroglyphs of what it looks like meteors falling to Earth, suggesting that ancient Moroccans had witnessed meteorite falls.
The Earth encounters Quadrantid meteors from December 22 through January 17. Rates are extremely low away from the January 4 maximum. For 2019, the maximum is expected to occur near 02:30 Universal Time (UT) on January 4.
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 3 as seen from mid-northern latitude (45N) and 5 from the southern tropics (25S). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 10 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 17 from the southern tropics (25S).
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 3 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 4 from the southern tropics (25S) . For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 11 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 12 from the southern tropics (25S).
The Orionids, like all meteor showers, are named after the constellation in which they appear to come from, which in this case is Orion. Remnants from this shower come from Halley's Comet, officially designated 1P/Halley.
The Southern delta Aquariids (SDA) are active from July 21 through August 23 with maximum activity occurring on July 30. This year the moonlight situation is favorable for the Southern delta Aquariids as the moon is at its first quarter phase on July 30th.
Monday, February 6th 2017, was a busy day for the American Meteor Society team. We received tens of thousands of visits on our website and even more on our Facebook page, Twitter account and Youtube account. Today, we are still receiving reports about...
This weekend the half-illuminated moon will set near 0200, allowing the remainder of the morning to be moon-free and prime time for meteor observing. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 10 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 15 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 4 no matter your location. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 9 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 10 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
The 1966 Leonids were certainly the greatest meteor shower in recorded history as it produced rates as high as 40 meteors per SECOND! We celebrate this year the 50th anniversary of this unforgettable event.
Meteor activity increases in October when compared to September. A major shower (the Orionids) is active all month long and there are also many minor showers to be seen.
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates for this week should be near 8 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 11 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 3 for observers located in the northern hemisphere and 4 for observers located south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 9 as seen from mid-northern latitudes...
During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Monday February 8th. On that date the moon will be located near the sun and will not be visible at night. As the week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will not cause any problems to meteor observers.
The Orionids The Orionids, like all meteor showers, are named after the constellation in which they appear to come from,…
Draconid Meteors over Badajoz, Spain – Oct. 2011 © StarryEarth Radiant Positions at 9pm Local Daylight Time Radiant Positions at…
American Meteor Society