Meteor Shower Observing
- Catching A Falling Star -
Several times a year the Earth passes through
the debris trains left in space by passing comets. The tiny particles
of ice and dust collide with the Earth's upper atmosphere at tremendous
speeds that cause these tiny missles (often smaller than a sand
grain) to heat up to extreme temperatures, causing them to briefly
glow brightly as they bore into our planet's increasingly thicker
air and burn up. The vast majority of these meteors burn up in
just a second or so at altitudes above 60 miles, but a few large
ones (perhaps the size of a soccer ball) can put on incredible
light shows as the they push deeper into our thick atmosphere
and burn up over the space of a several seconds. These "bolides"
or "fireballs" often appear to change color, trail "sparks",
leave smoke or ionization trails and can even become so bright
they cast shadows on the ground. Meteor observing is fun and requires
only a dark sky. A reclining lawn chair, binoculars to examine
smoke or ionization trails and a perhaps sleeping bag to stay
warm are typical meteor observers equipment. Although you'll be
able to see meteors or "shooting stars" all night, for
most meteor showers the best time to observe the highest number
of meteors per hour is in the pre-dawn hours. If you've never
seen a meteor shower under a dark country sky, you will be amazed!
| Meteor Shower |
Peak Dates |
Typical # of Meteors/Hour |
| Quadrantids |
Jan. 3-4 |
40-100+ |
| Lyrids |
Apr. 21 |
10-15 |
| Eta Aquarids |
May 4 |
20 |
| Southern Dekta Aquarids |
July 29 |
15-20 |
| Perseids |
Aug. 11-13 |
50-70+ |
| Orionids |
Oct. 33 |
25 |
| Southern Taurids |
Nov. 3-5 |
15 |
| Leonids |
Nov. 17 |
10-20 |
| Geminids |
Dec. 14 |
50-80+ |
This and tons of other astronomical information is available
from the EXCELLENT book "What's Out Tonight"
by Ken Graun. It can be ordered from Starizona at 5201 North Oracle
Rd. in Tucson, Arizona 85704 or by calling: 520/292-5010.