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.
