The Meteor Section of the British Astronomical Association encourages amateurs to become involved in meteor astronomy through active observation, Section meetings, and contributions to the Section Newsletter and other publications of the Association.
Occasional reports are published in the Journal of the BAA. An account of the activity of the Section each year can be found in the Report of the Meteor Section, part of the Association's Annual Report.
Meteor Observing Prospects - Autumn 2009
Autumn
in the northern hemisphere will be the prime observing season for meteor
enthusiasts this year. Following the Perseids in August, several further
showers come to prominence during October-December. ‘Peak season' is rounded
off by the Geminids in mid-December, which are now the most active major meteor
shower of the year. The good news is
that moonlight will not interfere with the maxima of the Orionids, Leonids or
Geminids this year. Prospects for the
Geminids look particularly promising.
Even at times when
major shower activity is not expected, the ever-present background sporadic
meteor population can provide sufficient rates - perhaps 10-12/hr in the early
hours on a September morning - to reward patient watchers. New Moon is on
September 18, so watches in mid September should be most productive.
Late July brings us into the most
substantial active meteor period for the summer, with the combined output of
the Delta Aquarids, Alpha Capricornids, Iota Aquarids, Piscis Australids
and Perseids making for productive watches as the skies begin to darken once
again following the Summer Solstice.
Unfortunately, the Moon is at First Quarter on July 28 and Full on August
6, so observers can expect considerable interference from moonlight in early
August. However, the end of July should
yield very productive watches, weather permitting.
Following early January’s Quadrantids, the opening months
of the year are generally regarded as a rather thin time for meteor observing,
with only minor shower and low background sporadic activity in evidence. Even the
most dedicated observers find the minimal rates - sometimes only one or two
meteors per hour - in February and early March rather a trial on their
patience.
Meteor Observing Prospects for Autumn/Winter 2007-8
Autumn in the northern hemisphere is the prime observing season for
meteor enthusiasts. Following the Perseids in August, several further showers
come to prominence during October-December. ‘Peak season’ is rounded off by the
Quadrantids in early January, following which activity reaches something of a
trough.
Even at times when major
shower activity is not expected, the ever-present background sporadic meteor
population can provide sufficient rates - perhaps 10-12/hr in the early hours
on a September morning - to reward patient watchers.
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