As the week progresses the evening hours become more favorable for viewing as the moon rises later in the night. Unfortunately the evening hours are usually slow with rates rarely surpassing 5 per hour. This is a good time to try an catch a bright Taurid meteor or perhaps a rare Andromedid!
As seen from the northern hemisphere, meteor rates continue to be strong in November. While no major activity is expected this month, the two Taurid radiants plus the Leonids keep the skies active.
During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Friday October 27th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight local daylight saving time (LDT) for observers viewing from mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set shortly after dusk and will not interfere with meteor observing...
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.
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates for this week should be near 17 as seen from mid-northern latitudes and 16 from the southern tropics. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as...
During this period the moon will reach its last quarter phase on Thursday October 12th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise near 2300 local daylight saving time (LDT). This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the late evening hours creating difficult conditions to see meteor activity the remainder of the night due to the moon's glare.
During this period the moon will reach its full phase on Thursday October 5th. At this time the moon will be located opposite the sun and will lie above the horizon all night long. This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set during the early morning hours, allowing meteor observers a few hours of dark skies before the first light of dawn.
During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Wednesday September 27th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 0100 local summer time (LST). This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set shortly after dusk, allowing meteor observers dark skies the remainder of the night.
During this period the moon will reach its new phase on Wednesday September 20th. 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 just before dawn and will not pose any problems to those trying to view meteor activity.
During this period the moon will reach its last quarter phase on Wednesday September 13th. At this time the moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will rise near midnight local daylight time (LDT) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the late evening hours and will ruin the prime meteor viewing hours with its intense moonlight.
September offers longer nights in the northern hemisphere that tend to be less hazy than those experienced in mid-summer. In the sky, no major showers are visible from either hemisphere but the northern hemisphere enjoys the advantage of higher sporadic rates.
During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Tuesday August 29th. At this time the half-illuminated moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near midnight for observers located at mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set during the late evening hours allowing the more active morning hours to be free of interfering moonlight.
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 5 for those viewing from the northern hemisphere and 3 for those located south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 23 as seen from mid-northern latitudes and 13 from the southern tropics.
Everything you need to know to enjoy the Perseids 2017!
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 6 for those viewing from the northern hemisphere and 3 for those located south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 32 as seen from mid-northern latitudes and 16 from the southern tropics.
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 2 for those viewing from the northern hemisphere and 1 for those located south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 20 as seen from mid-northern latitudes and 13 from the southern tropics.
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.
Meteor activity kicks into high gear in August as seen from the northern hemisphere. The main reason for all this activity is the Perseid shower that peaks on August 12th...
During this period the moon will reach its new phase on Sunday July 23. 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 but will not interfere with meteor observing.
During this period the moon will reach its last quarter phase on Sunday July 16. While the half-illuminated moon will certainly cast some glare in the night sky, it is still much less bright than the full moon. Therefore successful meteor observations can be obtained by simply keeping the moon out of your field of view while observing. Since the moon rises near midnight for observers located in mid-northern latitudes, the evening hours will be free of interfering moonlight.
During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Saturday July 8. At that time the moon will rise near dusk and set near dawn. Since the brilliant moon lie above the horizon most of the night, it will be difficult to observe meteor activity.
American Meteor Society