After three months of low rates, April ushers in two major showers (Lyrids and eta Aquariids) and a temporary upswing in meteor activity. The first of these showers is the Lyrids, which are active from April 18 through the 25th. Activity for this shower is low away from the peak night which expected to occur on Friday evening /Saturday morning April 21/22.
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 4 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 6 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). Rates are reduced during this period due to lunar interference.
During this period the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Monday April 3rd. At this time the half illuminated moon is located 90 degrees east of the sun and sets near 0300 local daylight time (LDT) as seen from mid-northern latitudes. This weekend is good for viewing meteor activity during the more productive morning hours as the moon will have set shortly after midnight. As the week progresses the window of opportunity to view under dark skies shrinks with each passing night as the moon sets later and later.
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 11 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 6 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 9 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S). Morning rates are reduced by moonlight during this period.
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is near 3 for those viewing from the northern hemisphere and 5 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 16 as seen from tropical southern locations (25S).
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 ...
American Meteor Society