International Meteor Organization - Predictions & Information

Eta-Aquariids 2008

Mon, 05 May 2008 23:52:12 +0200

Please report your observations to be included in the η-Aquariids Visual Data Quicklook Page.

A fine, rich stream associated with Comet 1P/Halley, like the Orionids of October, but one visible for only a few hours before dawn, essentially from tropical and southern hemisphere sites. Some useful results have come even from sites around 40° N latitude in recent years however, and occasional meteors have been reported from further north, but the shower would benefit from increased observer activity generally. The fast and often bright meteors make the wait for radiant-rise worthwhile, and many events leave glowing persistent trains after them. While the radiant is still low, η-Aquariids tend to have very long paths, which can mean observers underestimate the angular speeds of the meteors, so extra care is needed when making such reports.

The radiant area is located in northern Aquarius, close to the fourth magnitude star Gamma Aquarii. The best time to view this activity is just before the start of morning twilight, when the radiant lies highest in a dark sky. No matter your location these meteors will appear from the eastern sky and shoot in all directions. If the radiant has sufficient altitude Eta Aquariid meteors can also be seen shooting down toward the eastern horizon. With an entry velocity of 66 kilometers per second, a majority of these meteors will appear to move swiftly with a high percentage of the bright meteors leaving persistent trains.

Quadrantids 2008

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:58:56 +0100

Please report your observations to be included in the Quadrantids Visual Data Quicklook Page.

The maximum of the 2008 Quadrantid meteor shower is expected to occur near January 4, 7h UT. The Moon is almost new and rises together with Venus in the last observing hour. Western Europe and eastern North America are best suited for observing the peak.

This meteor shower can show maximum corrected rates (Zenithal Hourly Rates - ZHR) for as long as 6 hours, as was shown in 1992 for example. ZHRs may be well above 100, but the peak level varies from year to year. You can expect realistic rates of about one meteor per minute from dark locations.

Ursids 2007: Possible Outburst?

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:00:42 +0100

This poorly observed shower showed enhanced activity quite a few times over the last decades and has produced at least two real outbursts. An international team led by Peter Jenniskens predicts a new outburst for this year, peaking at 20h - 22h15 UT on December 22 with a full-width at half peak intensity of about 2 - 8.5 hours (most likely around 5 hours). The timing and the location of the radiant favours locations in Europe and Asia. The ZHR is expected to reach up to 40 - 80, or up to 8 times normal activity. If the outburst materializes, you can realistically expect to see one meteor every two minutes from dark locations.

Although it is almost full moon, observations using any method are encouraged. Visual observations can be reported using the electronic report form to be included in the Ursids Visual Data Quicklook Page.

For more information on the predictions, check the NASA AMES research center website.

Geminids 2007

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 10:30:20 +0100

Report your observations to be included in the Geminids Visual Data Quicklook Page.

The Geminids is one of the finest, and probably the most reliable, of the major annual showers presently observable. This year, the waxing crescent Moon will set by mid- evening across the globe on December 14 (the actual moonset timing is progressively later the further south you are), giving mostly dark skies for all observers, especially those in the northern hemisphere. The maximum is predicted for 16h45m UT on December 14, with the more reliably-observed maxima during the past two decades all having occurred within 2h20m of the predicted maximum.

The Geminid radiant culminates around 2h local time, but well north of the equator it rises around sunset, and is at a usable elevation from the local evening hours onwards, while in the southern hemisphere, the radiant appears only around local midnight or so. Even from more southerly sites, this is a splendid stream of often bright, medium-speed meteors, a rewarding sight for all watchers, whatever method they employ.

Leonids 2007

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:53:14 +0100

Report your observations to be included in the Leonids Visual Data Quicklook Page.

Orionids 2007

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:39:12 +0200

Report your observations to be included in the Live Orionids Page.

The Orionids produce fast moving meteors linked to the comet 1 P/Halley. It is a middle-sized shower visible between early October and the first week of November. They usually peak around solar length 208° or October 21st with rates up to ZHR ~25. Last year however, the maximum went up to more than twice this value, with lots of bright meteors. The enhanced activity was explained by the Earth intersecting with some very old dust trails. Simulations show that this year the Earth stays much further away from the trails, but we still have a good chance for some enhanced activity.

Depending on your local conditions, expect realistic rates of about one meteor per two minutes, with good chances of bright meteors. Watch after local midnight, the later the better. Best look about 20-40° away from the radiant in Orion, or, if you have trouble finding that, South will not be far off.

And of course, don't forget to report your observations!

Alpha-Aurigids 2007

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:06:56 +0200

Report your observations to be included in the "live Aurigids page".

The Aurigid meteor shower usually produces annual activity at a maximum rate of 7-9 meteors per hour, over a period from late August until early September. However, on rare occasions in the past, this shower had a very short but intense peak, with rates jumping up to as many as 400 meteors per hour. A new outburst has been predicted for this year on September 1 at about 11:36 +/- 20 minutes UT, favouring locations at the west coast of the United States, Alaska and Hawaii. Apart from the far East, daylight in the whole of Asia and Europe will spoil the outburst there (but it is still encouraged to go out observing).

The NASA/Ames Research Center has more Aurigids information available.

Perseids 2007

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:38:26 +0200

Please submit your observations using the electronic form, which will get processed directly into a live ZHR profile.

One of the most famous and popular meteor showers of the year is coming. Unlike last year, with very unfavorable conditions due to full moon close to the maximum, this year has near-perfect conditions for observing the Perseids.

The peak of the activity is expected in the night from 12 to 13 of August (Sunday to Monday), with ZHRs (hourly rates in theoretical perfect conditions) around 100. Depending on your local conditions, this should cater for realistic rates of one meteor per one or two minutes. The nights just before and after the maximum are still worthwhile for observations with rather high rates.

Perseids are fast moving meteors and they appear to originate from a point between Perseus and Cassiopeia. The Perseids are of course a nice opportunity to just go out to a dark spot and see some "shooting stars", but if you would like to do some structured visual observations, we welcome your observations, which will get processed directly into a live ZHR profile.

Geminids 2004 Observing Hints

Wed, 05 Jan 2005 00:59:30 +0100

First-time observers are encouraged to read the general visual observing pages first.

World-wide meteor observations are collected in the Visual Meteor Database (VMDB). The global set of data is the only chance to obtain a full activity profile of a meteor shower. The input of all observers is greatly appreciated. In order to allow for a maximum scientific output of the VMDB, please have a look at the following recommendations.

Predictions for the 2004 Leonids

Wed, 05 Jan 2005 00:22:49 +0100

Although the big Leonid outbursts we saw over the last few years are over, this remains an interesting shower to observe. Using the same methods that successfully predicted these outbursts, Vaubaillon et al. share their forecast for this year.