Author Archives

Robert Lunsford

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 September 5-11, 2015

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Saturday September 5th. The half-illuminated moon will rise around 1:00 for viewers in mid-northern latitudes. While not ruining viewing conditions, the moon will still be a nuisance and should be avoided while viewing meteor activity...

by - Sep 3, 2015 - 5

Meteor Activity Outlook for August 1-7, 2015

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 13th. This shower is active most of the month and remains above the level of the sporadic background for a week centered on August 13th

by - Jul 30, 2015 -

Meteor Activity Outlook for June 20-26, 2015

For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 10 for observers situated at mid-northern latitudes and 15 for observers viewing from the southern tropics. Evening rates are reduced this week due to moonlight.

by - Jun 18, 2015 -

Meteor Activity Outlook for May 30-June 5, 2015

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. Even the Anthelion radiant is located so far south this time of year that rates rarely exceed two per hour as seen from the northern hemisphere.

by - May 29, 2015 - 2

Meteor Activity Outlook for May 16-22, 2015

For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 7 for observers situated at mid-northern latitudes and 12 for observers viewing from the southern tropics. The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 3 for observers situated at mid-northern latitudes...

by - May 14, 2015 -

Meteor Activity Outlook for May 9-15, 2015

The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 2 for observers situated at mid-northern latitudes and 3 for observers viewing from the southern tropics (latitude 25 S.). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 9 for observers situated at mid-northern latitudes and 13 for observers viewing from...

by - May 7, 2015 - 3

Meteor Activity Outlook for April 25-May 1, 2015

The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 2 for observers situated at mid-northern latitudes and 3 for observers viewing from the southern tropics (latitude 25 S.). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 9 for observers situated at mid-northern latitudes and 15 for observers viewing from the southern tropics.

by - Apr 23, 2015 -

Meteor Activity Outlook for April 18-24, 2015

During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Saturday April 18th. At this time the moon will be located near the sun and will not be visible at night. Next week the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but it will set prior to midnight and will not interfere with viewing during the more active morning hours.

by - Apr 18, 2015 -