The MetSim software

The Leonid returns between 1998 and 2003 were a challenge to visual meteor observers. In fact, it was quite difficult to obtain reliable activity data from visual counts because of the exceptional high rates. A calibration of the data by imitating the conditions during the maximum could provide us with more reliable ZHRs. One method to do this is simply "estimate the number of meteors visible when looking at the sky for one second".

This method can be simulated by the Meteor storm simulation software (METSIM) written by Sirko Molau, based on an idea of Hartwig Lüthen. The software can be downloaded from the files section of this site.