As seen from the northern hemisphere, March is the slowest month for meteor activity. There is not much to look forward to this month except for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year!
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 3 for those viewing from the northern hemisphere and 4 for those located south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 7 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 14 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S)
This weekend the bright moon will make meteor observing extremely difficult as all but the brighter meteors will be obscured by the lunar glare. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 5 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 9 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
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).
During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Saturday January 28th. At this time the moon will be invisible in the night sky and will not hinder meteor observers at all. Later the in the period the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will set long before the more active morning hours arrive.
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 estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 3 no matter your location. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 6 no matter your location.
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 13 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 11 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S)...
The Quadrantids are your last opportunity to view a major meteor shower until April when the Lyrids become active!
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 13 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 7 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
For morning observers the estimated total hourly meteor rates should be near 15 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 12 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 13 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 8 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). Morning rates are reduced during this period due to the bright moonlight.
The Geminid meteor shower is the favorite of most meteor observers as it usually provides the strongest display of the year. The Geminids are one of the few annual meteor showers that are active all night long.
Winter Milky Way Geminids on December 12, 2012. Credit: ©John Chumack During this period the moon reaches its full phase…
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 18 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 15 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). The actual rates will also depend on factors such as ...
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 18 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 15 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). The actual rates will also depend on factors such as ...
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 18 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 11 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). Morning rates are reduced during this period due to moonlight.
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 14 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 9 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 25 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 20 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). Evening rates are reduced during this period due to moonlight.
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.
This weekend the moon will interfere with viewing the maximum of the Orionid meteor shower but circumstances are much better than viewing during a full moon. Simply make certain you view with the moon at your back so that the lunar glare does not impede your vision.
American Meteor Society