Meteor season finally gets going in July for the northern hemisphere. The first half of the month will be much like June with predominately slow rates. After the 15th though, both sporadic and shower rates increase significantly!
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 2 as seen from mid-northern latitude (45N) and 3 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 13 from the southern tropics (25S). Evening rates are reduced due to interfering moonlight.
During this period the moon will reach it's first quarter phase on Wednesday June 20th. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 0100 local daylight saving time (LDT). This will cause interference with evening meteor viewing but the more active morning hours will be free of moonlight. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set prior to midnight allowing good views of the morning activity.
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 3 as seen from mid-northern latitude (45N) and 4 from the southern tropics (25S). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 8 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 11 from the southern tropics (25S).
June is another slow month for meteor activity. There are no major showers active in June and only the Anthelion source can be counted on for continuous activity. During this period the moon will reach it's last quarter phase on Wednesday June 6th. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise between 0100 and 0200 local daylight saving time (LDT) for observers located at mid-northern latitudes.
During this period the moon will reach it's full phase on Tuesday May 29th. At that time the moon will be located opposite the sun and remain above the horizon most of the night. This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set during the late morning hours, giving a small window of opportunity to view meteor activity between moonset and the start of morning twilight.
During this period the moon will reach it's first quarter phase on Tuesday May 22th. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and set near 0200 local daylight saving time (LDT). This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set during the mid-evening hours and will not interfere with meteor observing during the more active morning hours.
During this period the moon will reach it's new phase on Tuesday May 15th. At that time the moon will be located near the sun and will be invisible at night. This weekend the waning crescent moon will rise shortly before dawn and will be too thin to cause any problems viewing meteor activity.
During this period the moon will reach it's last quarter phase on Tuesday May 8th. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise between 02:00 and 3:00 local daylight saving time (LDT) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. As the week progresses the waning crescent moon will become less of a problem as it rises later in the morning with each passing night.
Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower 2013 -Composite of approximately 50 images containing 26 meteors, meteor train, 17 % moon, zodiacal light…
During this period the moon will reach it's full phase on Monday April 30. At that time the moon will be located 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 but will still seriously impede meteor viewing as the bright glare will obscure all but the brightest meteors.
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 2 as seen from mid-northern latitude (45N) and 3 from the southern tropics (25S). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 20 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 13 from the southern tropics (25S). Evening rates are reduced due to moonlight.
During this period the moon will reach it's new phase on Sunday April 15. At that time 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 interference to meteor observers, especially during the more active morning hours.
On the night of maximum activity (April 21/22) the Lyrid radiant will lie in eastern Hercules, not far from the brilliant white star known as Vega (alpha Lyrae). The Lyrids are usually faint meteors possessing average speeds. Lyrid fireballs are uncommon but do occur on occasion.
During this period the moon will reach it's last quarter phase on Sunday April 8. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise between 02:00 and 3:00 local daylight saving time (LDT) for observers located in mid-northern latitudes. As the week progresses the waning crescent moon will become less of a problem as it rises later each passing night.
During this period the moon will reach it's full phase on Saturday March 31. At that time it will be located opposite the sun and will remain above the horizon all night long. As the week progresses the waning gibbous moon will rise later in the evening but will still hamper the more active morning hours making meteor observing difficult at best.
During this period the moon will reach it's first quarter phase on Saturday March 24. At that time it will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 02:00 local daylight saving time. (LDT). As the week progresses the waxing gibbous moon will remain in the sky most of the night and will hamper meteor viewing while still visible.
During this period the moon will reach it's new phase on Saturday March 17. At that time it 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 and will begin to interfere with meteor observations late in the week.
During this period the moon will wane from nearly one-half illuminated to almost new (invisible). This weekend the nearly half illuminated moon will rise near 02:00 local standard time and will interfere with meteor viewing if it lies within your field of view. With each passing night the moon will become a bit thinner and will rise later in the morning providing the meteor observer with a better view of the heavens.
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 2 as seen from mid-northern latitude (45N) and 4 from the southern tropics (25S). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 3 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 6 from the southern tropics (25S).
During this period the moon will reach its full phase on Thursday March 1st. At that time the moon will lie opposite the sun and will lie above the horizon all night long. This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set shortly after midnight allowing the meteor observer to view under dark conditions the remainder of the night. This window of opportunity will shorten by about an hour with each passing night until the moon lies above the horizon all night long later in the week.
American Meteor Society