American Meteor Society
Meteor Activity Outlook for December 9-15, 2017
For morning observers the estimated total meteor hourly rates should be near 32 as seen from mid-northern latitudes and 22 from the southern tropics this week!
Author Archives
Robert Lunsford
Bob has been interested in the stars as far back as he can recall His first experience with meteors was a biggie, the 1966 Leonid shower. In 1980, a major awaking occurred. He received a sample copy of Meteor News. He was amazed to learn there was a group actually devoted strictly to meteor observing! He joined the group also started to view some of the minor showers list among the pages of Meteor News. Lastly, he was contracted by Springer Publishing in 2007 to write a book on observing meteors. The book is now available and hopefully will be a useful guide to all interested in the enjoyable field of meteor observing.
Meteor Activity Outlook for December 2-8, 2017
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 3 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 2 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 15...
Meteor Activity Outlook for November 25-December 1, 2017
During this period the moon will reach its first quarter phase on Sunday November 26th. At this time the half-illuminated moon will lie 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 2300 (11pm) local standard time (LST). The moon will interfere with evening observing but will set before the more active morning hours arrive. Toward the end of this period the waxing gibbous moon will remain in the sky most of the night, obscuring all but the brighter meteors.
Meteor Activity Outlook for November 18-24, 2017
During this period the moon will reach its new phase on Saturday November 18th. At this time the moon will lie near the sun and will be invisible at night. Next week the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will not interfere with meteor observing.
Meteor Activity Outlook for November 11-17, 2017
During this period the moon will reach its last quarter phase on Saturday November 11th. At this time the half-illuminated moon will rise near midnight local standard time (LST) and will remain above the horizon the remainder of the night. The moon will be bright but successful meteor watches can be conducted if you face away from the lunar glare. Viewing circumstances improve with each passing night as the moon's phase wanes and it rises later in the morning.
Meteor Activity Outlook for November 4-10, 2017
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!
Meteor Activity Outlook for October 28-November 3, 2017
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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for October 21-27, 2017
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...
Viewing the Orionids in 2017
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.
Meteor activity Outlook for October 14-20, 2017
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...
Meteor Activity Outlook for October 7-13, 2017
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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for September 30-October 6, 2017
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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for September 23-29, 2017
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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for September 16-22, 2017
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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for September 9-15, 2017
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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for September 2-8, 2017
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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for August 26-September 1, 2017
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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for August 19-25, 2017
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.
Viewing the Perseids in 2017
Everything you need to know to enjoy the Perseids 2017!
Meteor Activity Outlook for August 12-18, 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.
Meteor Activity Outlook for August 5-11, 2017
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.