American Meteor Society
Meteor Activity Outlook for Feb 27-March 4, 2016
As seen from the northern hemisphere, March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only a few very weak minor showers produce activity this month.
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 February 20-26, 2016
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 4 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 8 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S)... It's a slow week for meteors: watch for fireballs!
Meteor Activity Outlook for February 13-19, 2016
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 3 for observers located in the northern hemisphere and 4 for observers located south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 9 as seen from mid-northern latitudes...
Meteor Activity Outlook for February 6-12, 2016
During this period the moon reaches its new phase on Monday February 8th. On that date 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 problems to meteor observers.
Meteor Activity Outlook for January 30-February 5, 2016
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 actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception...
Meteor Activity Outlook for January 23-29, 2016
During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Saturday January 23rd. On that date the moon will be located opposite the sun and will be above the horizon all night long. As the week progresses the waning gibbous moon will rise approximately 45 minutes later...
Meteor Activity Outlook for January 16-22, 2016
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 11 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 10 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, etc.
Meteor Activity Outlook for January 9-15, 2016
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates for this week should be near 16 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 8 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
Meteor Activity Outlook for January 2-8, 2016
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 16 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 8 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
Viewing the Quadrantid Meteor Shower
As for the Quadrantid meteor shower of 2016, this shower is predicted to peak on Monday morning January 4th over North America and the western Atlantic region. On that morning the 30% illuminated moon will rise at approximately 0200 (2am) local standard time for most observers in the northern hemisphere.
Meteor Activity Outlook for December 26 – January 1, 2016
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 8 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 6 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). Rates are reduced during this period due to interfering moonlight.
Meteor Activity Outlook for December 19-25, 2015
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 18 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 14 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
Meteor Activity Outlook for December 12-18, 2015
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 70 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 30 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
Viewing the Geminid Meteor Shower
The Geminid meteor shower is the favorite of most meteor observers as it usually provides the strongest display of the year. On the peak night (December 13/14) between the hours of 1:00 and 2:00am local standard time (LST)...
Meteor Activity Outlook for December 5-11, 2015
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 4 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 3 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
Meteor Activity Outlook for November 28-December 4, 2015
Active meteor showers are listed for the upcoming week.
Meteor Activity Outlook for November 21-27, 2015
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 20 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 13 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
Meteor Activity Outlook for November 14-20, 2015
During this period the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Wednesday November 18th. On that date the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 2300 (11pm) Local Standard Time (LST) as seen from mid-northern latitudes.
Meteor Activity Outlook for November 7-13, 2015
Photo of AMS Event#2824-2015 Oct 31st 2015, Czernice Borowe, Poland © Grzegorz Zieleniecki Radiant Positions at 8pm Local Standard Time…
Taurid Fireballs
Taurids radiants Every October and November the two branches of the Taurid meteor shower become active. The Taurids are not…
Meteor Activity Outlook for October 31-November 6, 2015
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 4 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 3 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).