Meteor Activity Outlook for March 27-April 2, 2010

March is the slowest month for meteor activity. No major annual showers are active and only two very weak minor showers produce activity this month. The sporadic rates continue a slow decline as seen from the mid-northern latitudes and mid-southern rates reach a first half minimum. There is not much to look forward to this month expect for the evening fireballs that seem to peak this time of year from the northern hemisphere. This could be due to the fact the antapex radiant lies highest above the horizon this time of year during the evening hours.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Tuesday March 30th. At this time the moon lies opposite the sun in the sky and rises as the sun sets and sets as the sun rises. This weekend there is a small window of time between moonset and the start of morning twilight when the sky is favorable for meteor watching. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near one for northern observers and two for those viewing from south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near five from the northern hemisphere and seven 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. Rates are reduced this week due to the intense moonlight.

The radiant positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning March 27/28. 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.

Shower descriptions will be presented next week when the moonlight conditions have improved.

The table below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.