Moments in Time
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
On November 12, 1799, Andrew Ellicott Douglass, an early American astronomer born in Vermont, witnesses the Leonids meteor shower from a ship off the Florida Keys. ...
What's up in November: Venus, meteor showers are stars of this month's show
Press Herald
The two meteor showers this month are the Taurids, which peak on Nov. 12, but will last throughout the first half of this month, and the Leonids, ...
Scientists Have Discovered 62 Previously Unknown Meteor Showers ...
Our planet is regularly exposed to meteor showers, which are in the review of the night sky we call shooting stars. ...
NASA Professional Development Workshops
FOX 24 Macon Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:29 PM PDT
A meteorite simulation, a do it yourself planetarium, and a cloud in a bottle. These are just a few of the hands on projects Georgian teachers are tackling Saturday at the Educator Resource Center. Professional development workshops being held at the museum of aviation in Warner Robins allow teachers to take a step outside the box, and learn creative teaching tools. ...
31 October 2010
30 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 30OCT2010
Researcher: Proof Of Alien Life
KJCT8.com
Steven Curry, a meteorite researcher who lives southeast of Montrose, claims to have found the first lunar meteorites in North America. ... *lunartick!!!
NASA releases new photos of Mars, finding evidence of water (2)
People's Daily Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:11 AM PDT
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity used its panoramic camera to capture this view of a dark rock that may be an iron meteorite on the surface of Mars, with part of the rim of Endurance Crater on the horizon in this image released by NASA October 28, 2010. The rock, about 45 centimeters (18 inches) wide from this angle, was about 31 meters (102 feet) away from Opportunity when the rover ...
A Comet that Gives Twice?
Universe Today
A green and red Orionid meteor striking the sky below Milky Way and to the right of Venus. Zodiacal light is also seen at the image The trail appears ...
Photomicrographs of meteorites make nice art!
Astronomy Magazine (blog)
It's a “plug and play” device, and within minutes of opening the box, I was capturing images of meteorites in my collection with my Mac's Photo Booth ...
Starwatch: November repeat would be keen
Lake County News Chronicle
Let's hope this November is as clear and beautiful as last year's, especially when the annual Leonid meteor shower comes around. Let's hope this November is ...
Researchers Discover 2nd Largest Impact Crater in Australia
Universe Today Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:40 AM PDT
Geothermal energy researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia have identified what may be the second largest meteorite impact crater in Australia. Dr. Tonguç Uysal of the University of Queensland and Dr. Andrew Glikson of Australian National University identified rock structures that appear to have formed because of the shock of a meteorite impact. [...] (Cooper Basin Impact Structure, Australia)
Meteor Activity Outlook for October 30-November 5, 2010
by Robert Lunsford
As seen from the northern hemisphere, meteor rates continue to be strong in November. While no major activity is expected this month, the two Taurid radiants plus the Leonids keep the skies active. The addition of strong sporadic rates make November one of the better months to view meteor activity from north of the equator. Skies are fairly quiet as seen from the southern hemisphere this month. Activity from the three showers mentioned above may be seen from south of the equator, but the sporadic rates are much lower than those seen in the northern hemisphere.
During this period the moon wanes from its last quarter phase to nearly new at the end of the period. This weekend the half illuminated last quarter moon will rise near 0100 LDT (Local Daylight Time) and will remain in the sky the remainder of the night. While the moon at this phase is still bright, it is nowhere as bright as the full moon encountered the previous week. Successful meteor observations can be undertaken by simply keeping the moon far from your field of view. The observing situation improves further as the week progresses as the moon wanes and rises later and later during the morning hours. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near six from the northern hemisphere and three for observers south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near twenty from the northern hemisphere and twelve as seen from the southern hemisphere. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Morning rates are reduced this week due to lunar interference.
The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning October 30/31. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases (available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any time of night on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best seen when it is positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south along the meridian, depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that meteor activity is rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards from the radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant lies at the edge and not the center. Viewing there will allow you to easily trace the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member) or in another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen from radiants that are located below the horizon. The positions below are listed in a west to east manner in order of right ascension (celestial longitude). The positions listed first are located further west therefore are accessible earlier in the night while those listed further down the list rise later in the night.
The following showers are expected to be active this week:
The center of the large Northern Taurid (NTA) radiant lies at 03:12 (048) +21. This area of the sky is located in eastern Aries, ten degrees southwest of the famous naked eye open cluster known as the Pleiades. The radiant is best placed near 0200 local daylight time (LDT), when it lies highest above the horizon. This shower peaks on November 13, so rates are slowly increasing. Current rates would be near two per hour, no matter your location. Meteors from the Northern Taurids strike the atmosphere at 29km/sec., which would produce meteors of slow velocity. This shower is also responsible for many of the fireball reports seen in November.
The center of the large Southern Taurid (STA) radiant lies at 03:16 (049) +12. This area of the sky is located in eastern Aries, fifteen degrees southwest of the Pleiades. The radiant is also best placed near the meridian near 0200 LDT. We are now well past the October 10 maximum for this shower but rates will still remain near two per hour, no matter your location. Striking the atmosphere at 29 km/sec., the average Southern Taurid meteor travels slowly through the skies. This shower is also responsible for many of the fireball reports seen in October.
Studies of the IMO video database by Sirko Molau and Juergen Rendtel has revealed a radiant located in Taurus this time of year. The Eta Taurids (ETT) are active from October 25 through November 3, with maximum occurring on October 25th. The current radiant position lies at 04:04 (061) +24, which lies in western Taurus, three degrees east of the Pleiades star cluster. The radiant is best placed near 0300 LDT, when it lies highest above the horizon. Meteors from the Eta Taurids strike the atmosphere at 47km/sec., which would produce meteors of average velocity. Expected rates would be less than one per hour, no matter your location.
The Orionids (ORI) reached maximum activity on October 22nd. Some activity may still be seen during the morning hours from a radiant located at 06:48 (102) +16. This position lies in southwestern Gemini, close to the second magnitude star Alhena (Gamma Geminorum). The radiant is best placed on the meridian near 0500 LDT. Current rates should be near three per hour no matter your location. At 67km/sec., the average Orionid is swift.
Another shower derived from the IMO video database is the Beta Cancrids (BCN). This shower is active from October 25-November 3 with a peak on the 27th. This shower has been known from visual observations for some time. Video analysis have confirmed the activity but from a slightly different portion of the sky. The radiant was suspected to be active from the Cancer/Gemini border when in fact the position actually lies in the constellation of Monoceros, to the south. The radiant is located at 07:32 (113) -10, which is fifteen degrees south of the brilliant zero magnitude star Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris). The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. Rates should less than one per hour. With an entry velocity of 65 km/sec., most activity from this radiant would be swift.
As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately twelve sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near four per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates would be near four per hour as seen from rural observing sites and two per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures. Morning rates are reduced due to moonlight.
The table below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Northern Taurids (NTA) - 02:28 (037) +18 Velocity - 29km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 1 per hr.
Southern Taurids (STA) - 01:20 (020) +06 Velocity - 29km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 2 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 2 per hr.
Eta Taurids (ETT) - 04:04 (061) +24 Velocity - 47km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
Orionids (ORI) - 06:08 (092) +16 Velocity - 67km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 3 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 3 per hr.
Beta Cancrids (BCN) - 07:32 (113) -10 Velocity - 65km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
International Meteor Organization
KJCT8.com
Steven Curry, a meteorite researcher who lives southeast of Montrose, claims to have found the first lunar meteorites in North America. ... *lunartick!!!
NASA releases new photos of Mars, finding evidence of water (2)
People's Daily Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:11 AM PDT
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity used its panoramic camera to capture this view of a dark rock that may be an iron meteorite on the surface of Mars, with part of the rim of Endurance Crater on the horizon in this image released by NASA October 28, 2010. The rock, about 45 centimeters (18 inches) wide from this angle, was about 31 meters (102 feet) away from Opportunity when the rover ...
A Comet that Gives Twice?
Universe Today
A green and red Orionid meteor striking the sky below Milky Way and to the right of Venus. Zodiacal light is also seen at the image The trail appears ...
Photomicrographs of meteorites make nice art!
Astronomy Magazine (blog)
It's a “plug and play” device, and within minutes of opening the box, I was capturing images of meteorites in my collection with my Mac's Photo Booth ...
Starwatch: November repeat would be keen
Lake County News Chronicle
Let's hope this November is as clear and beautiful as last year's, especially when the annual Leonid meteor shower comes around. Let's hope this November is ...
Researchers Discover 2nd Largest Impact Crater in Australia
Universe Today Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:40 AM PDT
Geothermal energy researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia have identified what may be the second largest meteorite impact crater in Australia. Dr. Tonguç Uysal of the University of Queensland and Dr. Andrew Glikson of Australian National University identified rock structures that appear to have formed because of the shock of a meteorite impact. [...] (Cooper Basin Impact Structure, Australia)
Meteor Activity Outlook for October 30-November 5, 2010
by Robert Lunsford
As seen from the northern hemisphere, meteor rates continue to be strong in November. While no major activity is expected this month, the two Taurid radiants plus the Leonids keep the skies active. The addition of strong sporadic rates make November one of the better months to view meteor activity from north of the equator. Skies are fairly quiet as seen from the southern hemisphere this month. Activity from the three showers mentioned above may be seen from south of the equator, but the sporadic rates are much lower than those seen in the northern hemisphere.
During this period the moon wanes from its last quarter phase to nearly new at the end of the period. This weekend the half illuminated last quarter moon will rise near 0100 LDT (Local Daylight Time) and will remain in the sky the remainder of the night. While the moon at this phase is still bright, it is nowhere as bright as the full moon encountered the previous week. Successful meteor observations can be undertaken by simply keeping the moon far from your field of view. The observing situation improves further as the week progresses as the moon wanes and rises later and later during the morning hours. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near six from the northern hemisphere and three for observers south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near twenty from the northern hemisphere and twelve as seen from the southern hemisphere. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Morning rates are reduced this week due to lunar interference.
The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning October 30/31. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases (available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any time of night on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best seen when it is positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south along the meridian, depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that meteor activity is rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards from the radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant lies at the edge and not the center. Viewing there will allow you to easily trace the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member) or in another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen from radiants that are located below the horizon. The positions below are listed in a west to east manner in order of right ascension (celestial longitude). The positions listed first are located further west therefore are accessible earlier in the night while those listed further down the list rise later in the night.
The following showers are expected to be active this week:
The center of the large Northern Taurid (NTA) radiant lies at 03:12 (048) +21. This area of the sky is located in eastern Aries, ten degrees southwest of the famous naked eye open cluster known as the Pleiades. The radiant is best placed near 0200 local daylight time (LDT), when it lies highest above the horizon. This shower peaks on November 13, so rates are slowly increasing. Current rates would be near two per hour, no matter your location. Meteors from the Northern Taurids strike the atmosphere at 29km/sec., which would produce meteors of slow velocity. This shower is also responsible for many of the fireball reports seen in November.
The center of the large Southern Taurid (STA) radiant lies at 03:16 (049) +12. This area of the sky is located in eastern Aries, fifteen degrees southwest of the Pleiades. The radiant is also best placed near the meridian near 0200 LDT. We are now well past the October 10 maximum for this shower but rates will still remain near two per hour, no matter your location. Striking the atmosphere at 29 km/sec., the average Southern Taurid meteor travels slowly through the skies. This shower is also responsible for many of the fireball reports seen in October.
Studies of the IMO video database by Sirko Molau and Juergen Rendtel has revealed a radiant located in Taurus this time of year. The Eta Taurids (ETT) are active from October 25 through November 3, with maximum occurring on October 25th. The current radiant position lies at 04:04 (061) +24, which lies in western Taurus, three degrees east of the Pleiades star cluster. The radiant is best placed near 0300 LDT, when it lies highest above the horizon. Meteors from the Eta Taurids strike the atmosphere at 47km/sec., which would produce meteors of average velocity. Expected rates would be less than one per hour, no matter your location.
The Orionids (ORI) reached maximum activity on October 22nd. Some activity may still be seen during the morning hours from a radiant located at 06:48 (102) +16. This position lies in southwestern Gemini, close to the second magnitude star Alhena (Gamma Geminorum). The radiant is best placed on the meridian near 0500 LDT. Current rates should be near three per hour no matter your location. At 67km/sec., the average Orionid is swift.
Another shower derived from the IMO video database is the Beta Cancrids (BCN). This shower is active from October 25-November 3 with a peak on the 27th. This shower has been known from visual observations for some time. Video analysis have confirmed the activity but from a slightly different portion of the sky. The radiant was suspected to be active from the Cancer/Gemini border when in fact the position actually lies in the constellation of Monoceros, to the south. The radiant is located at 07:32 (113) -10, which is fifteen degrees south of the brilliant zero magnitude star Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris). The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. Rates should less than one per hour. With an entry velocity of 65 km/sec., most activity from this radiant would be swift.
As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately twelve sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near four per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates would be near four per hour as seen from rural observing sites and two per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures. Morning rates are reduced due to moonlight.
The table below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Northern Taurids (NTA) - 02:28 (037) +18 Velocity - 29km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 1 per hr.
Southern Taurids (STA) - 01:20 (020) +06 Velocity - 29km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 2 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 2 per hr.
Eta Taurids (ETT) - 04:04 (061) +24 Velocity - 47km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
Orionids (ORI) - 06:08 (092) +16 Velocity - 67km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 3 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 3 per hr.
Beta Cancrids (BCN) - 07:32 (113) -10 Velocity - 65km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
International Meteor Organization
29 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 29OCT2010
Close Earth Flyby of Asteroid 2003 UV11
ASTEROID FLYBY: Asteroid 2003 UV11 will fly past Earth
on Oct. 29th and 30th at a distance of only 1.2 million
miles. ...
The Leonids are coming: Meteors arrive Nov. 17
Mountain Xpress (blog)
Meteors result from particles of dust causing the atmosphere to glow as the particles enter the upper atmosphere of the Earth. ...
Romania Meteor 28OCT2010
A reader writes, "I saw a meteor in Constanta, Romania , today 28.10.2010, at approx. 16:30 local time." Anon. (no secondary confirmation)
[快 乐汉语]旅游生活汉语吉林市系列第1集陨石 - Jilin Meteor/Meteorite CCTV News - CNTV Video
如果有人对外宣称某种事物具有什么样的地位、特征、性质等的时候，你可以这样说："´ 吉林一号´号称是世界上最大的石陨石。"
english.cntv.cn/program/learnchinese/20101028/100555.shtml
NASA Spacecraft Preps for Comet Flyby
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
October 27, 2010
In one of its final mission trajectory correction maneuvers, the EPOXI
mission spacecraft has refined its orbit, preparing it for the flyby of
comet Hartley 2 on Nov. 4. The time of closest approach to the comet on
that day is expected to be about 7:02 a.m. PDT (10:02 a.m. EDT). ...
Green comet expected to bring meteor shower to UK
New York Post
A green comet that is passing close to Earth this month could produce an impressive meteor shower over Britain and Ireland next week, astronomers predicted. ...
Meteorite Men Prepare for Season Two Premiere
Tucson Citizen
Steve and Geoff on location filming "Meteorite Men," June 2010. Photo by Suzanne Morrison. For Season Two we were given just five months to produce eight ...
ASTEROID FLYBY: Asteroid 2003 UV11 will fly past Earth
on Oct. 29th and 30th at a distance of only 1.2 million
miles. ...
The Leonids are coming: Meteors arrive Nov. 17
Mountain Xpress (blog)
Meteors result from particles of dust causing the atmosphere to glow as the particles enter the upper atmosphere of the Earth. ...
Romania Meteor 28OCT2010
A reader writes, "I saw a meteor in Constanta, Romania , today 28.10.2010, at approx. 16:30 local time." Anon. (no secondary confirmation)
[快 乐汉语]旅游生活汉语吉林市系列第1集陨石 - Jilin Meteor/Meteorite CCTV News - CNTV Video
如果有人对外宣称某种事物具有什么样的地位、特征、性质等的时候，你可以这样说："´ 吉林一号´号称是世界上最大的石陨石。"
english.cntv.cn/program/learnchinese/20101028/100555.shtml
NASA Spacecraft Preps for Comet Flyby
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
October 27, 2010
In one of its final mission trajectory correction maneuvers, the EPOXI
mission spacecraft has refined its orbit, preparing it for the flyby of
comet Hartley 2 on Nov. 4. The time of closest approach to the comet on
that day is expected to be about 7:02 a.m. PDT (10:02 a.m. EDT). ...
Green comet expected to bring meteor shower to UK
New York Post
A green comet that is passing close to Earth this month could produce an impressive meteor shower over Britain and Ireland next week, astronomers predicted. ...
Meteorite Men Prepare for Season Two Premiere
Tucson Citizen
Steve and Geoff on location filming "Meteorite Men," June 2010. Photo by Suzanne Morrison. For Season Two we were given just five months to produce eight ...
28 October 2010
Italian Bolide Meteor Fireball 27OCT2010 Meteor/Meteorite News 28OCT2010
Italian Bolide 27OCT2010 Meteor/Meteorite News 28OCT2010
 |
| Italian Bolide 27OCT2010 (c) Ferruccio Zanotti 2010 |
Fireball North Taurids 2010.10.27_04.04.46 ± 1 U.T. from Italy
Fireball North Taurids mag. -10 ± 0.60 from Ferrara ( Italy )
Video station: *IMTN-Ferrara1-SE- ( C ) F. Zanotti*
Observer: Ferruccio Zanotti
Location: Ferrara 44.8181 N; 11.6167 E; alt. 9 m s.l.m.
Direction: az: 139 ° ev:47°
Camera: Mintron MTV-12V6H-EX integration 2x ( 1/25s )
Computer Lens 2.6mm F/1.0 FOV: 122.8° * 97.1° ( diagonal: 148° )
for image and video:
http://meteore.forumattivo.com/bolidi-e-superbolidi-riprese-video-f30/fireball-north-taurids-20101027_040446-1-ut-t1396.htm#5853
Ferruccio Zanotti
Italian Meteor and TLE Network
http://meteore.forumattivo.com/forum.htm
Meteor/Meteorite News 28OCT2010
UNT confirms man's meteorite
Denton Record Chronicle
By Rachel Mehlhaff / Staff Writer A man recently found out that a rock he stumbled upon two years ago is actually a meteorite. George Wright holds a ... (Lufkin, TX meteorite)
Meteoriti u Srbiji
B92 - 2010年10月25日
Meteorit koji se čuva se u Prirodnjačkom muzeju težak je nešto preko 16 kilograma, a ostali primerci krase vitrine mnogih svetskih muzeja. ...
ImTranslator 3.3.4-P Serbian to English
Meteorites in Serbia
B92 - 2010 年 10 月 25 日
Meteorite kept the Natural History Museum weighs just over 16 pounds, and other sample adorned showcases many world museums. ...
Twin Fireballs May Have Come From Comet Hartley 2
Space.com
[Photo of the Oct. 16 fireballs] Before the fireballs were observed, NASA scientists were skeptical of any substantial meteor display from Comet Hartley 2. ...
Scientists Watch for a "Hartley-id" Meteor Shower - NASA Science
A pair of unusual fireballs over Canada and the southeastern USA have experts wondering if Comet Hartley 2 might produce a meteor shower in early November. ...
How Comets Cause Meteor Showers - Yahoo! News
Meteors — popularly referred to as "shooting stars" — are generated when debris ... But astronomers have found that some meteor swarms correspond closely to ...
Giant Impact Crater Found In Australia
Slashdot Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:19 AM PDT
An anonymous reader writes "One of the largest meteorite impacts in the world has been discovered in the South Australian outback by geothermal researchers. It may explain one of the many extinction events in the past 600 million years, and may contain rare and exotic minerals. The crater is said to have been 'produced by an asteroid six to 12 km across' â which is really big!" Read more of this ...
Giant crater may have been extinction trigger
Cosmos
SYDNEY: One of the largest meteorite impacts in the world has been discovered in the Australian outback - an impact so powerful it may have been the trigger ...
NASA: Comet may produce a new meteor shower
Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog)
Comet Hartley 2 is traveling nearer to the earth than a comet has in centuries, and astronomers are wondering if the close approach might produce a meteor ...
Denton Record Chronicle
By Rachel Mehlhaff / Staff Writer A man recently found out that a rock he stumbled upon two years ago is actually a meteorite. George Wright holds a ... (Lufkin, TX meteorite)
Meteoriti u Srbiji
B92 - 2010年10月25日
Meteorit koji se čuva se u Prirodnjačkom muzeju težak je nešto preko 16 kilograma, a ostali primerci krase vitrine mnogih svetskih muzeja. ...
ImTranslator 3.3.4-P Serbian to English
Meteorites in Serbia
B92 - 2010 年 10 月 25 日
Meteorite kept the Natural History Museum weighs just over 16 pounds, and other sample adorned showcases many world museums. ...
Twin Fireballs May Have Come From Comet Hartley 2
Space.com
[Photo of the Oct. 16 fireballs] Before the fireballs were observed, NASA scientists were skeptical of any substantial meteor display from Comet Hartley 2. ...
Scientists Watch for a "Hartley-id" Meteor Shower - NASA Science
A pair of unusual fireballs over Canada and the southeastern USA have experts wondering if Comet Hartley 2 might produce a meteor shower in early November. ...
How Comets Cause Meteor Showers - Yahoo! News
Meteors — popularly referred to as "shooting stars" — are generated when debris ... But astronomers have found that some meteor swarms correspond closely to ...
Giant Impact Crater Found In Australia
Slashdot Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:19 AM PDT
An anonymous reader writes "One of the largest meteorite impacts in the world has been discovered in the South Australian outback by geothermal researchers. It may explain one of the many extinction events in the past 600 million years, and may contain rare and exotic minerals. The crater is said to have been 'produced by an asteroid six to 12 km across' â which is really big!" Read more of this ...
Giant crater may have been extinction trigger
Cosmos
SYDNEY: One of the largest meteorite impacts in the world has been discovered in the Australian outback - an impact so powerful it may have been the trigger ...
NASA: Comet may produce a new meteor shower
Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog)
Comet Hartley 2 is traveling nearer to the earth than a comet has in centuries, and astronomers are wondering if the close approach might produce a meteor ...
27 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 27OCT2010
Nasa prepares to view comet up close
Times LIVE
A meteor streaks past stars in the night sky in Tecate in Baja California. The Perseid meteor shower is sparked every August when the Earth passes through a ...
Jimmy Westlake: The fireballs of fall
Steamboat Pilot
It's just the annual Taurid meteor showers reaching their peak of activity. The Taurid meteors are so named because they seem to spring outward from the ...
Times LIVE
A meteor streaks past stars in the night sky in Tecate in Baja California. The Perseid meteor shower is sparked every August when the Earth passes through a ...
Jimmy Westlake: The fireballs of fall
Steamboat Pilot
It's just the annual Taurid meteor showers reaching their peak of activity. The Taurid meteors are so named because they seem to spring outward from the ...
26 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 26OCT2010
Kopernik Observatory Help Students Explore Space
FOX 40 Binghamton Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:19 PM PDT
Getting kids excited about science is the goal of Kopernik's Science Days, which are going on Monday and Tuesday at Vestal Middle School. Monday, students from Unatego, and St. James in Johnson City, did everything from check out 3d video of the earth, to actually handling pieces of a giant meteorite. Kopernik's Roy Williams says that because kids are naturally curious about planets and stars ...
The Meteorite Men on Friday News Feedbag
Discovery News Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:24 PM PDT
On this week's Friday News Feedbag, Geoffrey Notkin and Steve Arnold, aka Science Channel's Meteorite Men stop by the studio to talk about hunting for meteorites all over the world. If this is your first exposure to the Friday News ...
Search is on to locate meteorite fragments in Clare
The Clare People
By Andrew Hamilton · October 25, 2010 · No comments A RACE against time has begun to locate priceless fragments of the rare meteorite which landed somewhere ...
PDT on Tuesday Oct. 26, to preview the EPOXI mission's upcoming flyby
and study of the comet Hartley 2. The Nov. 4 encounter will provide
the best, extended view of a comet in history....
How a comet can cause a meteor shower
Christian Science Monitor
Some meteor showers correspond with the orbits of comets. By Joe Rao, SPACE.com's Space Insider Columnist / October 25, 2010 Meteors — popularly referred ...
FOX 40 Binghamton Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:19 PM PDT
Getting kids excited about science is the goal of Kopernik's Science Days, which are going on Monday and Tuesday at Vestal Middle School. Monday, students from Unatego, and St. James in Johnson City, did everything from check out 3d video of the earth, to actually handling pieces of a giant meteorite. Kopernik's Roy Williams says that because kids are naturally curious about planets and stars ...
The Meteorite Men on Friday News Feedbag
Discovery News Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:24 PM PDT
On this week's Friday News Feedbag, Geoffrey Notkin and Steve Arnold, aka Science Channel's Meteorite Men stop by the studio to talk about hunting for meteorites all over the world. If this is your first exposure to the Friday News ...
Search is on to locate meteorite fragments in Clare
The Clare People
By Andrew Hamilton · October 25, 2010 · No comments A RACE against time has begun to locate priceless fragments of the rare meteorite which landed somewhere ...
NASA Hosts Media Teleconference To Preview Comet Encounter
PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA is hosting a media teleconference at 11 a.m.PDT on Tuesday Oct. 26, to preview the EPOXI mission's upcoming flyby
and study of the comet Hartley 2. The Nov. 4 encounter will provide
the best, extended view of a comet in history....
How a comet can cause a meteor shower
Christian Science Monitor
Some meteor showers correspond with the orbits of comets. By Joe Rao, SPACE.com's Space Insider Columnist / October 25, 2010 Meteors — popularly referred ...
25 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 25OCT2010
Mystery of Tunguska meteorite solved
Pravda
As a result, it was proved that it was not a meteorite, but a comet. The mystery of the Tunguska meteorite has long attracted the attention of researchers ...
Oct 19/20 to 22/23 Meteors « The Transient Sky – Comets, Asteroids ...
By Carl Hergenrother
Visual reports submitted to the International Meteor Organization suggest a peak ZHR of ~40-50 per hour. Of course, ZHR rates are only observed under perfectly dark conditions. With the nearly Full Moon and the usual issue of light ...
Pravda
As a result, it was proved that it was not a meteorite, but a comet. The mystery of the Tunguska meteorite has long attracted the attention of researchers ...
Oct 19/20 to 22/23 Meteors « The Transient Sky – Comets, Asteroids ...
By Carl Hergenrother
Visual reports submitted to the International Meteor Organization suggest a peak ZHR of ~40-50 per hour. Of course, ZHR rates are only observed under perfectly dark conditions. With the nearly Full Moon and the usual issue of light ...
24 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 24OCT2010
Orionid Meteor Shower This Week
A stream of meteors is expected to streak across the skies this week.
blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/NES.../post_1287592307817.html
Geminid Meteor Shower | Universe Today
On a clear night, preferably in the countryside where light pollution is at a minimum, the night sky can provide a viewer with one of the most spectacular.
Mr-Meteorite (Ruben Garcia) and Hopper on ...
4 min
Mr-Meteorite (Ruben Garcia) and Hopper on Meteorite Man TV Show
youtube.com
Man Claims Meteorite Had Alien Life. Feds Steal it.
Ghost Theory
GT reader John P. sent me this amusing article about a man in Canada who believes that federal geologists had stolen a piece of meteorite he found in the ...
A stream of meteors is expected to streak across the skies this week.
blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/NES.../post_1287592307817.html
Geminid Meteor Shower | Universe Today
On a clear night, preferably in the countryside where light pollution is at a minimum, the night sky can provide a viewer with one of the most spectacular.
Mr-Meteorite (Ruben Garcia) and Hopper on ...
4 min
Mr-Meteorite (Ruben Garcia) and Hopper on Meteorite Man TV Show
youtube.com
Man Claims Meteorite Had Alien Life. Feds Steal it.
Ghost Theory
GT reader John P. sent me this amusing article about a man in Canada who believes that federal geologists had stolen a piece of meteorite he found in the ...
23 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 23OCT2010
Mythbusters , Meteorite Men Hit D.C.'s Mall
US News & World Report Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:30 AM PDT
Science Channel hosts hit national science fair.
Yukon man seeks $12M for space rock damage
CBC.ca Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:55 PM PDT
A Yukon mining prospector claims federal geologists stole a priceless piece of meteorite he found in the 1980s that contained alien organisms, but RCMP say they haven't found any evidence to support that allegation.
The Orionid Meteor Shower is not over, continues tonight
Examiner.com
Last night marked the peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower for 2010. However, despite what most of the news media may lead you to believe, there is a lot more ...
Meteor shower tonight: Orionid Meteor Shower to peak tonight
New Delhi Chronicle.com
Meteor shower tonight: Orionid Meteor Shower to peak tonight. Meteor showers are again giving great time to sky gazers. This is the time of the year when we ...
Did you see something unidentified in the sky?
Daily Comet
Local sky experts say that if anything was seen, it could be related to a recent meteor shower. Online databases of alleged ET-style encounters — with a ...
Halley's Comet Produces Orionid Meteor Shower - Peak Tonight - How to View ...
National News Break
NationalNewsBreak.com gathers all meteor shower tonight headline from nearly every place around the internet – Check in very often to keep up to date on ..
US News & World Report Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:30 AM PDT
Science Channel hosts hit national science fair.
| Mars meteorite controversy continues PhysOrg Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:14 AM PDT The most illustrious meteorite in history continues to inspire heated debate. Does it carry microbial fossils from Mars or are its strange features just the product of some unique geochemistry? After almost 20 years, dueling papers are still coming out, and the opposing parties are no closer to a resolution. |
Yukon man seeks $12M for space rock damage
CBC.ca Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:55 PM PDT
A Yukon mining prospector claims federal geologists stole a priceless piece of meteorite he found in the 1980s that contained alien organisms, but RCMP say they haven't found any evidence to support that allegation.
The Orionid Meteor Shower is not over, continues tonight
Examiner.com
Last night marked the peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower for 2010. However, despite what most of the news media may lead you to believe, there is a lot more ...
Meteor shower tonight: Orionid Meteor Shower to peak tonight
New Delhi Chronicle.com
Meteor shower tonight: Orionid Meteor Shower to peak tonight. Meteor showers are again giving great time to sky gazers. This is the time of the year when we ...
Did you see something unidentified in the sky?
Daily Comet
Local sky experts say that if anything was seen, it could be related to a recent meteor shower. Online databases of alleged ET-style encounters — with a ...
| Meteor Shower Was At Its Peak Last Night Thaindian.com The Orionids Meteor Shower, which the Earth is witnessing right now is associated with this comet. It has been named so, as the point from with it comes, ... |
National News Break
NationalNewsBreak.com gathers all meteor shower tonight headline from nearly every place around the internet – Check in very often to keep up to date on ..
22 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 22OCT2010
How Comets Cause Meteor Showers
Space.com
By Joe Rao Meteors — popularly referred to as "shooting stars" — are generated when debris enters and burns up in Earth's atmosphere. ...
Orionid Meteor Shower Visible this Week
FOX 9 News
The Orionids, a "junior version" of the Persoid meteor shower, may hit its peak before sunrise on Oct. 21, according to AOL News . The meteors are nicknamed ...
Orionid Meteor Shower peaks tonight: Will it be clear?
Examiner.com
After a days-long lead-up, tonight, October 21/22, 2010, is finally the peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower, which means that tonight, more so than any before ...
Debate Over Life on Mars No Closer to Resolution
Softpedia
More than two decades after the discovery of the meteorite ALH84001, the oldest to have arrived to Earth from Mars, scientists have not yet come to a ...
Meteors from Halley's Comet rain down on Earth - Technology ...
Halley's Comet won't zoom near Earth again for another 50 years, but the ice ball may still put on a show for some skywatchers this week in the form of a ...
Orionid meteor shower from Halley's Comet has big finish Thursday ...
Orionid meteor shower will conclude Thursday night as the Earth finishes traversing through the debris field that follows Halley's Comet. ...
Yukon man seeks $12M for space rock damage
CBC.ca
A Yukon mining prospector claims federal geologists stole a priceless piece of meteorite he found in the 1980s that contained alien organisms, ...
Meteor Shower From Halley´s Comet Can Be Seen This Week
ShortNews.com
The meteor shower that appears in May is called Eta Aquarids, the October-shower is called Orionids, as the meteors appear to come from Orion the Hunter. ...
Astro Bob blog: Comets, ancient galaxies and the dark ages
Duluth News Tribune
I see by the International Meteor Organization's (IMO) quicklook data that Orionid meteor shower activity started picking up around 10 pm last night to 35 ...
Look Up: What's in the Sky This Week?
DCist.com
The annual Orionid meteor shower reached its peak starting last night and continues through this evening. Orionid meteors are fragments of Halley's Comet, ...
Meteorite Hunter - Ruben Garcia - Filming TV Show ...
3 min youtube.com
Here is a video - Ruben Garcia - filming a TV show about Meteorite Hunting! The video is a behind the scenes look at filming the ...
Space.com
By Joe Rao Meteors — popularly referred to as "shooting stars" — are generated when debris enters and burns up in Earth's atmosphere. ...
Orionid Meteor Shower Visible this Week
FOX 9 News
The Orionids, a "junior version" of the Persoid meteor shower, may hit its peak before sunrise on Oct. 21, according to AOL News . The meteors are nicknamed ...
Orionid Meteor Shower peaks tonight: Will it be clear?
Examiner.com
After a days-long lead-up, tonight, October 21/22, 2010, is finally the peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower, which means that tonight, more so than any before ...
| Moment CCTV captured asteroid hitting the earth The Sun Here, in Day Two of our extracts from a new book by Sun professor Brian Cox, Wonders Of The Solar System, he describes the meteorite's spectacular final ... |
Softpedia
More than two decades after the discovery of the meteorite ALH84001, the oldest to have arrived to Earth from Mars, scientists have not yet come to a ...
Meteors from Halley's Comet rain down on Earth - Technology ...
Halley's Comet won't zoom near Earth again for another 50 years, but the ice ball may still put on a show for some skywatchers this week in the form of a ...
Orionid meteor shower from Halley's Comet has big finish Thursday ...
Orionid meteor shower will conclude Thursday night as the Earth finishes traversing through the debris field that follows Halley's Comet. ...
Yukon man seeks $12M for space rock damage
CBC.ca
A Yukon mining prospector claims federal geologists stole a priceless piece of meteorite he found in the 1980s that contained alien organisms, ...
Meteor Shower From Halley´s Comet Can Be Seen This Week
ShortNews.com
The meteor shower that appears in May is called Eta Aquarids, the October-shower is called Orionids, as the meteors appear to come from Orion the Hunter. ...
Astro Bob blog: Comets, ancient galaxies and the dark ages
Duluth News Tribune
I see by the International Meteor Organization's (IMO) quicklook data that Orionid meteor shower activity started picking up around 10 pm last night to 35 ...
Look Up: What's in the Sky This Week?
DCist.com
The annual Orionid meteor shower reached its peak starting last night and continues through this evening. Orionid meteors are fragments of Halley's Comet, ...
Meteorite Hunter - Ruben Garcia - Filming TV Show ...
3 min youtube.com
Here is a video - Ruben Garcia - filming a TV show about Meteorite Hunting! The video is a behind the scenes look at filming the ...
21 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 21OCT2010
Orionid Meteor Shower Visible this Week
The Orionids ajunior version of the Persoid meteor shower may hit its peak before sunrise on Oct 21 according to AOL News The meteors are nicknamed the ...
Meteorite-Based Debate Over Martian Life Is Far from Over
Space.com
By Michael Schirber The most illustrious meteorite in history continues to inspire heated debate. Does it carry microbial fossils from Mars or are its ...
The Continuing Controversy of the Mars Meteorite
Astrobiology Magazine
The most illustrious meteorite in history continues to inspire heated debate. Does it carry microbial fossils from Mars or are its strange features just the ...
Meteor shower to light up Territory skies
ABC Online
(AFP: Ethan Miller/Getty Images, file photo) Northern Territory skies will be lit up with yellow meteors over the next two mornings as the annual Orionid ...
Meteors From Halley's Comet Rain Down on Earth
Space.com
Astronomers in Canada have snapped photos of meteors that are actually bits of Halley's Comet left behind during its long, looping, 76-year trip around the ...
No Telescope Required!! for The Orionid Meteor Shower October 20 ...
You don't need a telescope to view this heavenly meteor shower! That's the beauty of meteor showers. They appear in our night sky as shooting stars....
Skywatchers prepare for Comet Hartley, Orionid meteor showers
CLEVELAND -- Early morning autumn skies are bringing fantastic celestial displays from the heavens with this year's annual Orionid meteor showers. ...
Astro Bob blog: Halley's Comet comes back to life tonight
Duluth News Tribune
Credit: John Chumack Tomorrow morning is the peak of the annual Orionid meteor shower. It's one of two times each year our planet intersects the orbit of ...
Halley's meteors streak past
New Scientist (blog)
The meteoroids burn up quickly high in the atmosphere, creating the streaks of a meteor shower. October's meteors appear to come from the direction of the ...
Stargazers can watch Orionid meteor shower, debris from Halley's Comet
Examiner.com
The 2010 Orionid meteor shower peaks during the day of October 21, 2010. For stargazers wanting to observe Orionid meteors, the best times will me the ...
The Orionids ajunior version of the Persoid meteor shower may hit its peak before sunrise on Oct 21 according to AOL News The meteors are nicknamed the ...
Meteorite-Based Debate Over Martian Life Is Far from Over
Space.com
By Michael Schirber The most illustrious meteorite in history continues to inspire heated debate. Does it carry microbial fossils from Mars or are its ...
The Continuing Controversy of the Mars Meteorite
Astrobiology Magazine
The most illustrious meteorite in history continues to inspire heated debate. Does it carry microbial fossils from Mars or are its strange features just the ...
Meteor shower to light up Territory skies
ABC Online
(AFP: Ethan Miller/Getty Images, file photo) Northern Territory skies will be lit up with yellow meteors over the next two mornings as the annual Orionid ...
Meteors From Halley's Comet Rain Down on Earth
Space.com
Astronomers in Canada have snapped photos of meteors that are actually bits of Halley's Comet left behind during its long, looping, 76-year trip around the ...
No Telescope Required!! for The Orionid Meteor Shower October 20 ...
You don't need a telescope to view this heavenly meteor shower! That's the beauty of meteor showers. They appear in our night sky as shooting stars....
Skywatchers prepare for Comet Hartley, Orionid meteor showers
CLEVELAND -- Early morning autumn skies are bringing fantastic celestial displays from the heavens with this year's annual Orionid meteor showers. ...
Astro Bob blog: Halley's Comet comes back to life tonight
Duluth News Tribune
Credit: John Chumack Tomorrow morning is the peak of the annual Orionid meteor shower. It's one of two times each year our planet intersects the orbit of ...
Halley's meteors streak past
New Scientist (blog)
The meteoroids burn up quickly high in the atmosphere, creating the streaks of a meteor shower. October's meteors appear to come from the direction of the ...
Stargazers can watch Orionid meteor shower, debris from Halley's Comet
Examiner.com
The 2010 Orionid meteor shower peaks during the day of October 21, 2010. For stargazers wanting to observe Orionid meteors, the best times will me the ...
20 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 20OCT2010
Orionid Meteor Shower peaks tomorrow, get viewing tips now
Examiner.com
The peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower will be tomorrow on the night of October 21/22, 2010. However, despite the fact that peak doesn't occur until tomorrow ...
Orionids Meteor Shower This Weekend – 20 & 21 October 2010 ...
The Orionid meteor shower is due to peak this weekend, 20 & 21 October 2010. To view it properly, it is best to go out into the countryside, where the sky ...
Skywatchers prepare for Comet Hartley, Orionids meteor showers
WKYC-TV
CLEVELAND -- Early morning autumn skies are bringing fantastic celestial displays from the heavens with this year's annual Orionids meteor showers. ...
The Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award
Guardian Unlimited Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:58 AM PDT
Nominate your favourite museum and get a free Quentin Blake poster! Perhaps it was the notice by the meteorite, saying: "This is the oldest object you will ever touch." Or your toddler being invited to roar at a ruff-collared ducal portrait in the 17th-century gallery to show an early appreciation of art. Or the quiet chat about war-time childhood between a grandparent and child over a 1940s ...
Spacing Out
KTSM News Channel 9
"I knew it wasn't meteorites when I first saw them. And nothing suspends in air like that anyway if it was a meteorite. Meteorites always leave a ...
More from meteor witness
Bombala Times
IT has been a few weeks since we last had news of the search for the meteorite that landed in the local district in August, but the Bombala Times has now ...
Meteor Shower this Week
allvoices
A harvest moon is scheduled for the week which impede some of the meteor spectacular. Meteor showers, called Orionids, due to the fact that they appear to ...
Grimsby meteorite update.
CKTB
Meteorites have been recovered in the Grimsby area. Phil McCausland from Western University says they came from the asteroid belt. ...
The Comet Cometh: Hartley 2 Visible in Night Sky
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Backyard stargazers with a telescope or binoculars and a clear night's sky can now inspect the comet that in a little over two weeks will become only the fifth in history to be imaged close up. Comet Hartley 2 will come within 17.7 million kilometers (11 million miles) of Earth this Wed., Oct. 20 at noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT). NASA's EPOXI mission will come within 700 kilometers (435 miles) of Hartley 2 on Nov. 4. ...
Trojan Asteroid Found in Neptune's Trailing Gravitational Stability Zone
There are places in space where the gravitational tug between a planet and the Sun balance out, allowing other smaller bodies to remain stable. These places are called Lagrangian points.
So-called Trojan asteroids have been found in some of these stable spots near Jupiter and Neptune. Trojans share their planet's orbit and help astronomers understand how the planets formed and how the solar system evolved. Now Scott Sheppard at the Carnegie ...
Examiner.com
The peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower will be tomorrow on the night of October 21/22, 2010. However, despite the fact that peak doesn't occur until tomorrow ...
Orionids Meteor Shower This Weekend – 20 & 21 October 2010 ...
The Orionid meteor shower is due to peak this weekend, 20 & 21 October 2010. To view it properly, it is best to go out into the countryside, where the sky ...
Skywatchers prepare for Comet Hartley, Orionids meteor showers
WKYC-TV
CLEVELAND -- Early morning autumn skies are bringing fantastic celestial displays from the heavens with this year's annual Orionids meteor showers. ...
The Guardian Family Friendly Museum Award
Guardian Unlimited Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:58 AM PDT
Nominate your favourite museum and get a free Quentin Blake poster! Perhaps it was the notice by the meteorite, saying: "This is the oldest object you will ever touch." Or your toddler being invited to roar at a ruff-collared ducal portrait in the 17th-century gallery to show an early appreciation of art. Or the quiet chat about war-time childhood between a grandparent and child over a 1940s ...
Spacing Out
KTSM News Channel 9
"I knew it wasn't meteorites when I first saw them. And nothing suspends in air like that anyway if it was a meteorite. Meteorites always leave a ...
More from meteor witness
Bombala Times
IT has been a few weeks since we last had news of the search for the meteorite that landed in the local district in August, but the Bombala Times has now ...
Meteor Shower this Week
allvoices
A harvest moon is scheduled for the week which impede some of the meteor spectacular. Meteor showers, called Orionids, due to the fact that they appear to ...
Grimsby meteorite update.
CKTB
Meteorites have been recovered in the Grimsby area. Phil McCausland from Western University says they came from the asteroid belt. ...
The Comet Cometh: Hartley 2 Visible in Night Sky
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Backyard stargazers with a telescope or binoculars and a clear night's sky can now inspect the comet that in a little over two weeks will become only the fifth in history to be imaged close up. Comet Hartley 2 will come within 17.7 million kilometers (11 million miles) of Earth this Wed., Oct. 20 at noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT). NASA's EPOXI mission will come within 700 kilometers (435 miles) of Hartley 2 on Nov. 4. ...
Trojan Asteroid Found in Neptune's Trailing Gravitational Stability Zone
There are places in space where the gravitational tug between a planet and the Sun balance out, allowing other smaller bodies to remain stable. These places are called Lagrangian points.
So-called Trojan asteroids have been found in some of these stable spots near Jupiter and Neptune. Trojans share their planet's orbit and help astronomers understand how the planets formed and how the solar system evolved. Now Scott Sheppard at the Carnegie ...
19 October 2010
Meteor/ Meteorite News 19OCT2010
The Orionid Meteor Shower is coming!
The International Academy of Astronautics will hold its second conference on protecting our planet from impacts by asteroids and comets from 9 - 12 May 2011 in Bucharest, Romania. The 1st IAA Planetary Defense Conference: Protecting Earth from Asteroids, co-sponsored by the European Space Agency and The Aerospace Corporation, is the follow-on to three previous planetary defense conferences held in 2004 in Los Angeles and 2007 in Washington, D.C., and in 2009 in Granada, Spain. For the upcoming conference in 2011, the call for papers is now open - see the menu item on the left for further details. ...
Moonlight meteor shower spawned by Halley's Comet
msnbc.com
Even though the radiant of the shower is in Orion, meteors can appear far from the constellation. By Joe Rao A junior version of the famous Perseid meteor ...
This Week's Orionid Meteor Shower
Gant Daily
A sky map of the Orionids meteor shower. This one's from 2009 — the planets and stars listed will be different this year. Image courtesy NASA. ...
Examiner.com Meteors will soon start streaking through the sky thanks to the Orionid Meteor Shower. In two days, the night of October 21/22 will mark the peak of the ...
Oman is major site for meteor discovery
Emirates 24/7
Shining sand and rocks and other factors have turned Oman into a major site of meteorite discoveries, ranking second only to Antarctica in such findings ...
2011 IAA Planetary Defense Conference: From Threat to Action Oman is major site for meteor discovery
Emirates 24/7
Shining sand and rocks and other factors have turned Oman into a major site of meteorite discoveries, ranking second only to Antarctica in such findings ...
The International Academy of Astronautics will hold its second conference on protecting our planet from impacts by asteroids and comets from 9 - 12 May 2011 in Bucharest, Romania. The 1st IAA Planetary Defense Conference: Protecting Earth from Asteroids, co-sponsored by the European Space Agency and The Aerospace Corporation, is the follow-on to three previous planetary defense conferences held in 2004 in Los Angeles and 2007 in Washington, D.C., and in 2009 in Granada, Spain. For the upcoming conference in 2011, the call for papers is now open - see the menu item on the left for further details. ...
Moonlight meteor shower spawned by Halley's Comet
msnbc.com
Even though the radiant of the shower is in Orion, meteors can appear far from the constellation. By Joe Rao A junior version of the famous Perseid meteor ...
This Week's Orionid Meteor Shower
Gant Daily
A sky map of the Orionids meteor shower. This one's from 2009 — the planets and stars listed will be different this year. Image courtesy NASA. ...
18 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 18OCT2010
Spectacular Meteor Shower Coming this Week
iSurfHopkins.com
HOPKINS COUNTY, KY—Every year in the early morning Autumn sky comes a spectacular celestial show put on by the annual Orionid meteor shower. ...
Meteor showers October 2010: Orionid, Taurid, Epsilon Geminid ...
October 2010 meteor showers include one major meteor shower and three minor meteor showers. The Orionid meteor shower is the major shower. The minor meteor ...
AccuWeather.com - Weather Video - Orionid Meteor Hunting and Comet ...
The Orionid Meteor Shower peaks this week, while the moon and Comet Hartley rule the sky! ...
iSurfHopkins.com
HOPKINS COUNTY, KY—Every year in the early morning Autumn sky comes a spectacular celestial show put on by the annual Orionid meteor shower. ...
Meteor showers October 2010: Orionid, Taurid, Epsilon Geminid ...
AccuWeather.com - Weather Video - Orionid Meteor Hunting and Comet ...
The Orionid Meteor Shower peaks this week, while the moon and Comet Hartley rule the sky! ...
17 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 17OCT2010
Travel in space: Viewing the galaxy from Israel
Jerusalem Post
By MIKA SCHICK An increased amount of meteoroids will create a meteor shower called Leonids, which can be seen clearly from the Negev. ...
Moonlight Meteor Shower Spawned By Halley's Comet - Yahoo! News
A junior version of the famous Perseid meteor shower thought to have originated from the remains of Halley's Comet will hit its peak over the next week, ...
Jerusalem Post
By MIKA SCHICK An increased amount of meteoroids will create a meteor shower called Leonids, which can be seen clearly from the Negev. ...
Moonlight Meteor Shower Spawned By Halley's Comet - Yahoo! News
A junior version of the famous Perseid meteor shower thought to have originated from the remains of Halley's Comet will hit its peak over the next week, ...
16 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 16OCT2010
Space.com
By Joe Rao A junior version of the famous Perseid meteor shower thought to have originated from the remains of Halley's Comet will hit its peak over the ...
US: Meteor Over East County Monday Night? -- Signs of the Times News
Jamul - An East County Magazine reader asks, "I want to know who else saw the blue and whitish-orange meteor I saw from my house in Deerhorn Valley in Jamul ...
| Training New Explorers for the Surfaces of the Moon, Mars, and Beyond Space Ref (press release) Tomorrow, a NASA-sponsored Field Training and Research Program begins at Meteor Crater, Arizona. The field training will be led by Dr. David Kring, ... |
Is Earth prepared for a close encounter?
89.3 KPCC
A meteor from the Geminids meteor shower enters the Earth's atmosphere past the stars Castor and Pollux above Southold, New York. Did you know that there is ...
Take a look at Jupiter this month
Cincinnati.com
Last year an amateur astronomer first observed a dark scar on Jupiter where a meteor exploded inside the atmosphere. This year the same man was at his ...
15 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 15OCT2010
Fireball streaks across Northern Ireland skies
BBC News
The whole event only lasted several seconds and was captured by the Armagh Observatory meteor cameras, which have been recording meteor activity on the ...
METEOR SITING CONFIRMED BY 2ND WITNESS; EXPERTS SEEKS MORE INFO TO LAUNCH ...
East County Magazine
Today, we received an e-mail from Erich Wichman, a meteorite hunter and researcher with Meteorites USA and Meteorite Hunting & Collecting Magazine. ...
more asteroid news
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11534216
recent Division of Planetary Sciences meeting
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/10/101013-science-space-asteroids-near-earth-nuclear-bombs/
Is there a meteor shower tonight? October 8 2010 ? - Yahoo! Answers
google? and It hasn't been on the news.. ... http://earthsky.org/astronomy- essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide This website claims there is, but others don't ...
BBC News
The whole event only lasted several seconds and was captured by the Armagh Observatory meteor cameras, which have been recording meteor activity on the ...
METEOR SITING CONFIRMED BY 2ND WITNESS; EXPERTS SEEKS MORE INFO TO LAUNCH ...
East County Magazine
Today, we received an e-mail from Erich Wichman, a meteorite hunter and researcher with Meteorites USA and Meteorite Hunting & Collecting Magazine. ...
Bombing Earth-bound Asteroids a Viable Option, Experts Say
In the movies, a bomb is usually the most effective way of stopping an asteroid from wiping out life on Earth. But real scientists have had their doubts about bombing the potentially hazardous objects. ...
more asteroid news
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11534216
recent Division of Planetary Sciences meeting
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/10/101013-science-space-asteroids-near-earth-nuclear-bombs/
Is there a meteor shower tonight? October 8 2010 ? - Yahoo! Answers
google? and It hasn't been on the news.. ... http://earthsky.org/astronomy- essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide This website claims there is, but others don't ...
14 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 14OCT2010
METEOR OVER EAST COUNTY MONDAY NIGHT?
East County Magazine
October 13, 2010 (Jamul) – An East County Magazine reader asks, “I want to know who else saw the blue and whitish-orange meteor I saw from my house in ...
New manager at the UNH Observatory
Foster's Daily Democrat
Cohen is looking forward to observing a few different astronomical events at the end of October, including comet Hartley and the Orionid meteor shower. ...
NASA'S HUBBLE CAPTURES FIRST IMAGES OF AFTERMATH OF POSSIBLE ASTEROID COLLISION
WASHINGTON -- NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured the first
snapshots of a suspected asteroid collision. The images show a
bizarre X-shaped object at the head of a comet-like trail of
material. ...
Asteroid collision
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/asteroid-collision-hubble-photographs-101013.html
East County Magazine
October 13, 2010 (Jamul) – An East County Magazine reader asks, “I want to know who else saw the blue and whitish-orange meteor I saw from my house in ...
| The best meteor shower you never saw... until next year KOMO News (blog) By Scott Sistek Hey, did you see the big Draconid Meteor shower last week? No? You weren't alone. The annual meteor shower was a big dud this year as the ... |
Foster's Daily Democrat
Cohen is looking forward to observing a few different astronomical events at the end of October, including comet Hartley and the Orionid meteor shower. ...
NASA'S HUBBLE CAPTURES FIRST IMAGES OF AFTERMATH OF POSSIBLE ASTEROID COLLISION
WASHINGTON -- NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured the first
snapshots of a suspected asteroid collision. The images show a
bizarre X-shaped object at the head of a comet-like trail of
material. ...
Asteroid collision
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/asteroid-collision-hubble-photographs-101013.html
12 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 12OCT2010
Asteroid 2010 TD54 to Pass Within Earth-Moon System on October 12
PASADENA, Calif. -- A small asteroid will fly past Earth early Tuesday within the Earth-moon system. The asteroid, 2010 TD54, will have its closest approach to Earth's surface at an altitude of about 45,000 kilometers (27,960 miles) at 6:50 EDT a.m. (3:50 a.m. PDT). At that time, the asteroid will be over southeastern Asia in the vicinity of Singapore. ...
PASADENA, Calif. -- A small asteroid will fly past Earth early Tuesday within the Earth-moon system. The asteroid, 2010 TD54, will have its closest approach to Earth's surface at an altitude of about 45,000 kilometers (27,960 miles) at 6:50 EDT a.m. (3:50 a.m. PDT). At that time, the asteroid will be over southeastern Asia in the vicinity of Singapore. ...
11 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 11OCT2010
New find points toward habitable environments deep in Martian crust
Oneindia
A deposit of carbonate rocks that once existed 6 km (about 4 miles) below the surface of Mars was uplifted and exposed by an ancient meteor impact, ...
Impact begins nickel drilling program at Australian Yarrabubba project
Energy Business Review
The Yarrabubba Project covers a large (>50 km) diameter meteorite impact structure that has similar geological features to those at the large Sudbury mining ...
Space dust helps reveal origins of Milky Way
ABC Online
And this has been a debate that has been passed down through meteoritics because we see the same sort of structures in meteorites. ...
Meteor????
I am on Tobago Island, Oct. 7 2010 which is a small island off of Panama City, Panama and last night I saw a HUGE meteor with a tail and all in the North ...
Astro Bob blog: This house is full of wonder
Duluth News Tribune
They're composed of minerals like olivine (peridot) and pyroxene, which are very common in certain types of meteorites. This chondrule, measuring 5.5mm ...
Oneindia
A deposit of carbonate rocks that once existed 6 km (about 4 miles) below the surface of Mars was uplifted and exposed by an ancient meteor impact, ...
Impact begins nickel drilling program at Australian Yarrabubba project
Energy Business Review
The Yarrabubba Project covers a large (>50 km) diameter meteorite impact structure that has similar geological features to those at the large Sudbury mining ...
Space dust helps reveal origins of Milky Way
ABC Online
And this has been a debate that has been passed down through meteoritics because we see the same sort of structures in meteorites. ...
Meteor????
I am on Tobago Island, Oct. 7 2010 which is a small island off of Panama City, Panama and last night I saw a HUGE meteor with a tail and all in the North ...
Astro Bob blog: This house is full of wonder
Duluth News Tribune
They're composed of minerals like olivine (peridot) and pyroxene, which are very common in certain types of meteorites. This chondrule, measuring 5.5mm ...
Meteor/Meteorite News 10.10.10 10OCT2010
Asteroid P/2010 A2 Collision
"Astronomers report that a small asteroid located in the inner asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter took a major hit early last year. Previously rendered only in artists' conceptions, the first asteroid collision known in modern times revealed itself in a tail of debris streaming from what astronomers at first assumed was a comet. Instead of a steady stream of dust ...09 October 2010
Meteor/Meteorite News 9OCT2010
Meteor breaks up into three pieces
Last night I had a spectacular meteor cross the field as it split into three parts. ...
large asteroid Vesta that will help scientists refine plans for the
Dawn spacecraft's rendezvous with Vesta in July 2011. ...
SPACEcom Lackluster Meteor Shower Sets Stage for Big Show in 2011
Earth will pass through the comet Giacobini-Zinner remnants will result in a lackluster meteor shower on October 8th. The Draconid meteor shower event in ...
Mars Rover Gets Up-Close and Personal With Meteorite
Space.com
By SPACE.com Staff A stunning new photo yields an up-close view of a Mars meteorite discovered by NASA's Opportunity rover while exploring the Red Planet. ...
Draconid Meteor Shower October 7, 2010
NowPublic
by Jordan Yerman | October 7, 2010 at 04:00 pm The Draconid Meteor Shower should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere on October 7, 2010, local weather ...
The Draconid Meteor shower 2010 continues, 2011 could be downright dangerous
Examiner.com
Last night marked the peak of the Alpha Draconid Meteor Shower for 2010. However, being considered a minor shower, there weren't many meteors to see as the ...
Draconid Meteor Shower
Southgate Amateur Radio Club
Every year around October 8th, Earth passes through a minefield of dusty debris from Comet Giacobini-Zinner, source of the annual Draconid meteor shower. ...
Draconid meteor show Blah in 2010 big in 2011 Technology & science ...
The Earth will pass through the cast-off remnants of an ancient comet Friday (Oct. 8), but the resulting meteor shower will be lackluster at best, ...
Meteor activity in general increases in October when compared to September.
A major shower (the Orionids) is active most of the month along with several
minor showers. Both branches of the Taurids become more active as the month
progresses, providing slow, graceful meteors to the nighttime scene. The
Orionids are usually the big story of the month but this year the Orionid
peak coincides with the full moon. Orionid activity can be seen before and
after maximum when the moon is not so troublesome. Unfortunately Orionid
rates will be low, most likely less than five per hour.
During this period the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Thursday
October 14th. At this time the moon will be located ninety degrees east of
the sun and will set near 0100 local daylight time (LDT) for those living in
the mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set
during the early evening hours and will not interfere with meteor observing.
The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near
four
from the northern hemisphere and two for observers south of the equator. For
morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near twenty one
from the northern hemisphere and ten as seen from the southern hemisphere.
The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and
motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in
watching meteor activity.
The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from)
positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning
October 9/10. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed
coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases
(available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid
lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where
these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer
planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any time of night
on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best seen when it is
positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south along the meridian,
depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that meteor activity is
rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards from the
radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant lies
at the edge and not the center. Viewing there will allow you to easily trace
the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member) or in
another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen from
radiants that are located below the horizon. The positions below are listed
in a west to east manner in order of right ascension (celestial longitude).
The positions listed first are located further west therefore are accessible
earlier in the night while those listed further down the list rise later in
the night.
The following showers are expected to be active this week:
The Draconids (GIA) (also known as the Giacobinids) reach maximum activity
on October 8. The exact time of maximum activity can vary so observers are
encouraged to view on the evenings of October 7-9 to try and catch any of
this activity.The radiant is located at 17:28 (262) +54, which places it in
southern Draco, two degrees northwest of the third magnitude star Rastaban
(Beta Draconis). This star is one of the four that form the prominent head
of Draco, also known as the "Lozenge". Expected rates are always a guess.
The new moon will not cause any interference. The best time to view this
activity is as soon as it becomes dark during the early evening hours. Those
located in high northern latitudes can also try viewing this shower during
the morning hours. Due to the extreme northern declination, this shower is
only visible from the southern tropics northward. At 19km/sec., the average
Draconid is extremely slow.
Studies of the IMO video database by Sirko Molau and Juergen Rendtel has
revealed a radiant located in Pisces this time of year. The October Epsilon
Piscids (EPC) are active on only five nights centered on October 9. The
radiant lies at 00:05 (001) +14 which actually lies in eastern Pegasus only
two degrees southwest of the third magnitude star Algenib (Gamma Pegasi).
The radiant is best placed near midnight LDT, when the radiant lies highest
in the sky. Striking the atmosphere at 19 km/sec., the average October
Epsilon Piscid meteor travels very slowly through the skies. Even at
maximum, rates should be less than one per hour no matter your location.
The center of the large Southern Taurid (STA) radiant lies at 02:08 (032)
+09. This position lies in northeastern Cetus, close to the fourth magnitude
star Xi 1 Ceti. Since the radiant is so large, any meteor from eastern
Pisces, northern Cetus, southern Aries, or northeastern Eridanus could be a
candidate for this shower. The radiant is best placed near the meridian near
0200 LDT, but activity may be seen all night long. Although maximum activity
occurs on the 10th, this is a flat plateau-like peak so activity should be
similar all week long. Expect to see up to three Southern Taurids per hour,
no matter your location, when the radiant lies highest in the sky. Striking
the atmosphere at 29 km/sec., the average Southern Taurid meteor travels
slowly through the skies. This shower is also responsible for many of the
fireball reports seen in October.
Another shower derived from the IMO database is the the Sigma Arietids
(SSA). This shower is active from October 12-19 with a peak on the 19th. On
the 12th the radiant is located at 02:52 (043) +22. This position lies in
central Aries, roughly lying between the Pleiades cluster in Taurus and the
second magnitude star Hamal (Alpha Arietis). The radiant is best placed near
0300 LDT, when it lies highest above the horizon. Rates should less than one
per hour. With an entry velocity of 46 km/sec., most activity from this
radiant would be of medium velocity. With a low northern declination these
meteors are slightly better seen from the northern hemisphere.
Another shower derived from the IMO database is the the Zeta Taurids (ZTA).
This shower is active from October 12-17 with a peak on the 16th. On the
12th the radiant is located at 05:08 (077) +15. This position lies on the
Orion-Taurus border, approximately five degrees east of the orange first
magnitude star Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri). The radiant is best placed near 0500
LDT, when it lies highest above the horizon. Rates should less than one per
hour. With an entry velocity of 61 km/sec., most activity from this radiant
would be swift. These meteors would be seen equally well from either
hemisphere.
The Orionids (ORI) are now becoming noticeable from a radiant located at
05:48 (87) +16. This position lies in eastern Taurus, eight degrees north of
the orange first magnitude star Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis). The radiant
rises near 300 LDT and is best placed on the meridian near 0600. With
maximum activity predicted for October 22, current rates for all locations
would be near one to two per hour as seen after midnight. At 67km/sec., the
average Orionid is swift.
Another shower derived from the IMO database is the the October Ursa
Majorids (OCU). This shower is active from October 12-19 with a peak on the
15th. On the 12th the radiant is located at 09:12 (138) +64. This position
lies in western Ursa Major between the faint stars Tau and Sigma 1 Ursae
Majoris. The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn
when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. Rates should less than
one per hour. With an entry velocity of 53 km/sec., most activity from this
radiant would be medium-swift. With the high northern declination of the
radiant, these meteors are best seen from the northern hemisphere. It would
be difficult to see any of this activity from locations south of the
equator.
As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see
approximately fifteen sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before
dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near three
per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates
would be near four per hour as seen from rural observing sites and one per
hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would
see activity between the listed figures.
The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this
week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Draconids (GIA) - 17:28 (262) +54 Velocity - 19km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
October Epsilon Piscids (EPC) - 00:05 (001) +14 Velocity - 19km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
Southern Taurids (STA) - 02:08 (032) +09 Velocity - 29km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 3 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 3 per hr.
Sigma Arietids (SSA) - 02:52 (043) +22 Velocity - 46km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
Zeta Taurids (ZTA) - 05:08 (077) +15 Velocity - 61km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr
Orionids (ORI) - 05:48 (87) +16 Velocity - 67km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 2 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 2 per hr
October Ursa Majorids (OCU) - 09:12 (138) +64 Velocity - 53km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr
Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
International Meteor Organization
Last night I had a spectacular meteor cross the field as it split into three parts. ...
Dawn Mission to Vesta Gets Help from Hubble Space Telescope
WASHINGTON -- NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured images of thelarge asteroid Vesta that will help scientists refine plans for the
Dawn spacecraft's rendezvous with Vesta in July 2011. ...
SPACEcom Lackluster Meteor Shower Sets Stage for Big Show in 2011
Earth will pass through the comet Giacobini-Zinner remnants will result in a lackluster meteor shower on October 8th. The Draconid meteor shower event in ...
Mars Rover Gets Up-Close and Personal With Meteorite
Space.com
By SPACE.com Staff A stunning new photo yields an up-close view of a Mars meteorite discovered by NASA's Opportunity rover while exploring the Red Planet. ...
Draconid Meteor Shower October 7, 2010
NowPublic
by Jordan Yerman | October 7, 2010 at 04:00 pm The Draconid Meteor Shower should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere on October 7, 2010, local weather ...
The Draconid Meteor shower 2010 continues, 2011 could be downright dangerous
Examiner.com
Last night marked the peak of the Alpha Draconid Meteor Shower for 2010. However, being considered a minor shower, there weren't many meteors to see as the ...
Draconid Meteor Shower
Southgate Amateur Radio Club
Every year around October 8th, Earth passes through a minefield of dusty debris from Comet Giacobini-Zinner, source of the annual Draconid meteor shower. ...
Draconid meteor show Blah in 2010 big in 2011 Technology & science ...
The Earth will pass through the cast-off remnants of an ancient comet Friday (Oct. 8), but the resulting meteor shower will be lackluster at best, ...
Meteor Activity Outlook for October 9-15, 2010
by Robert LunsfordMeteor activity in general increases in October when compared to September.
A major shower (the Orionids) is active most of the month along with several
minor showers. Both branches of the Taurids become more active as the month
progresses, providing slow, graceful meteors to the nighttime scene. The
Orionids are usually the big story of the month but this year the Orionid
peak coincides with the full moon. Orionid activity can be seen before and
after maximum when the moon is not so troublesome. Unfortunately Orionid
rates will be low, most likely less than five per hour.
During this period the moon reaches its first quarter phase on Thursday
October 14th. At this time the moon will be located ninety degrees east of
the sun and will set near 0100 local daylight time (LDT) for those living in
the mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set
during the early evening hours and will not interfere with meteor observing.
The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near
four
from the northern hemisphere and two for observers south of the equator. For
morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near twenty one
from the northern hemisphere and ten as seen from the southern hemisphere.
The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and
motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in
watching meteor activity.
The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from)
positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning
October 9/10. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed
coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases
(available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid
lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where
these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer
planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any time of night
on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best seen when it is
positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south along the meridian,
depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that meteor activity is
rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards from the
radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant lies
at the edge and not the center. Viewing there will allow you to easily trace
the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member) or in
another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen from
radiants that are located below the horizon. The positions below are listed
in a west to east manner in order of right ascension (celestial longitude).
The positions listed first are located further west therefore are accessible
earlier in the night while those listed further down the list rise later in
the night.
The following showers are expected to be active this week:
The Draconids (GIA) (also known as the Giacobinids) reach maximum activity
on October 8. The exact time of maximum activity can vary so observers are
encouraged to view on the evenings of October 7-9 to try and catch any of
this activity.The radiant is located at 17:28 (262) +54, which places it in
southern Draco, two degrees northwest of the third magnitude star Rastaban
(Beta Draconis). This star is one of the four that form the prominent head
of Draco, also known as the "Lozenge". Expected rates are always a guess.
The new moon will not cause any interference. The best time to view this
activity is as soon as it becomes dark during the early evening hours. Those
located in high northern latitudes can also try viewing this shower during
the morning hours. Due to the extreme northern declination, this shower is
only visible from the southern tropics northward. At 19km/sec., the average
Draconid is extremely slow.
Studies of the IMO video database by Sirko Molau and Juergen Rendtel has
revealed a radiant located in Pisces this time of year. The October Epsilon
Piscids (EPC) are active on only five nights centered on October 9. The
radiant lies at 00:05 (001) +14 which actually lies in eastern Pegasus only
two degrees southwest of the third magnitude star Algenib (Gamma Pegasi).
The radiant is best placed near midnight LDT, when the radiant lies highest
in the sky. Striking the atmosphere at 19 km/sec., the average October
Epsilon Piscid meteor travels very slowly through the skies. Even at
maximum, rates should be less than one per hour no matter your location.
The center of the large Southern Taurid (STA) radiant lies at 02:08 (032)
+09. This position lies in northeastern Cetus, close to the fourth magnitude
star Xi 1 Ceti. Since the radiant is so large, any meteor from eastern
Pisces, northern Cetus, southern Aries, or northeastern Eridanus could be a
candidate for this shower. The radiant is best placed near the meridian near
0200 LDT, but activity may be seen all night long. Although maximum activity
occurs on the 10th, this is a flat plateau-like peak so activity should be
similar all week long. Expect to see up to three Southern Taurids per hour,
no matter your location, when the radiant lies highest in the sky. Striking
the atmosphere at 29 km/sec., the average Southern Taurid meteor travels
slowly through the skies. This shower is also responsible for many of the
fireball reports seen in October.
Another shower derived from the IMO database is the the Sigma Arietids
(SSA). This shower is active from October 12-19 with a peak on the 19th. On
the 12th the radiant is located at 02:52 (043) +22. This position lies in
central Aries, roughly lying between the Pleiades cluster in Taurus and the
second magnitude star Hamal (Alpha Arietis). The radiant is best placed near
0300 LDT, when it lies highest above the horizon. Rates should less than one
per hour. With an entry velocity of 46 km/sec., most activity from this
radiant would be of medium velocity. With a low northern declination these
meteors are slightly better seen from the northern hemisphere.
Another shower derived from the IMO database is the the Zeta Taurids (ZTA).
This shower is active from October 12-17 with a peak on the 16th. On the
12th the radiant is located at 05:08 (077) +15. This position lies on the
Orion-Taurus border, approximately five degrees east of the orange first
magnitude star Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri). The radiant is best placed near 0500
LDT, when it lies highest above the horizon. Rates should less than one per
hour. With an entry velocity of 61 km/sec., most activity from this radiant
would be swift. These meteors would be seen equally well from either
hemisphere.
The Orionids (ORI) are now becoming noticeable from a radiant located at
05:48 (87) +16. This position lies in eastern Taurus, eight degrees north of
the orange first magnitude star Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis). The radiant
rises near 300 LDT and is best placed on the meridian near 0600. With
maximum activity predicted for October 22, current rates for all locations
would be near one to two per hour as seen after midnight. At 67km/sec., the
average Orionid is swift.
Another shower derived from the IMO database is the the October Ursa
Majorids (OCU). This shower is active from October 12-19 with a peak on the
15th. On the 12th the radiant is located at 09:12 (138) +64. This position
lies in western Ursa Major between the faint stars Tau and Sigma 1 Ursae
Majoris. The radiant is best placed during the last dark hour before dawn
when it lies highest above the horizon in a dark sky. Rates should less than
one per hour. With an entry velocity of 53 km/sec., most activity from this
radiant would be medium-swift. With the high northern declination of the
radiant, these meteors are best seen from the northern hemisphere. It would
be difficult to see any of this activity from locations south of the
equator.
As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see
approximately fifteen sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before
dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near three
per hour. As seen from the mid-southern hemisphere (45S), morning rates
would be near four per hour as seen from rural observing sites and one per
hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would
see activity between the listed figures.
The list below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this
week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Draconids (GIA) - 17:28 (262) +54 Velocity - 19km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
October Epsilon Piscids (EPC) - 00:05 (001) +14 Velocity - 19km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
Southern Taurids (STA) - 02:08 (032) +09 Velocity - 29km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 3 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 3 per hr.
Sigma Arietids (SSA) - 02:52 (043) +22 Velocity - 46km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr.
Zeta Taurids (ZTA) - 05:08 (077) +15 Velocity - 61km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr
Orionids (ORI) - 05:48 (87) +16 Velocity - 67km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - 2 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - 2 per hr
October Ursa Majorids (OCU) - 09:12 (138) +64 Velocity - 53km/sec.
Northern Hemisphere - <1 per hr. Southern Hemisphere - <1 per hr
Clear Skies!
Robert Lunsford
International Meteor Organization