What to record

It is important to record your observations correctly. This can be done by storing all the information on a tape recorder or by writing it onto scrap paper without taking your eyes off the sky. The notes taken must cover all the following details about the observation:

• the times the watch began and ended at, and any breaks; give all times in UT only. Universal Time (UT) is the local time valid for 0° geographical longitude.
• the limiting magnitude and any changes to it during your watch
• details of any cloud cover present
• time labels at least each half hour; it is not necessary to note time labels exactly at the half/full hour, but they should occur at about 30 minute intervals, for high activity even at about 15 minute intervals.
• details of all meteors seen
• the center of the field of view; report this in right ascension, declination with an accuracy of 10° or a constellation or star name that you can convert into right ascension, declination after the watch using a star atlas.

It is recommended that while observing, you should follow the motion of the sky, and thus you will become more familiar with certain regions. If the position of the field becomes unfavourable (e.g. elevation less than 50°) you should choose another field, and then record the center of the new field in your notes.