News
Geminids 2004 Observing Hints
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.
A breakdown into short observing periods is essential for a detailed analysis of the meteor shower. The suggestion is to give 5-MINUTE COUNTS for the Geminids and non-Geminids (or other showers if you watch out for them). The number of meteors is prob- ably less than 10 in most of these bins, but remember we collect a large number of world-wide data which all add to each other. The essential period for these fine bins will be roughly Dec 13, 10h UT (American morning hours of Dec 12/13) to Dec 14, 10h UT.
Meteor magnitudes give additional information to the pure activity counts. If you estimate magni- tudes for each Geminid seen, please make magnitude DISTRIBUTIONS FOR EACH OF THE 5-MINUTE BINS.
Just a reminder that cloud interference or other obstructions refer to the typical field of view, which is a bit larger than 100 degrees diameter. If something covers 10% of the entire sky, it is unlikely that it really blocks that much of your effective field of view.
A typical form with some lines of examples is at http://www.imo.net/visual/report There is no need to copy the form exactly, just the order of the information should be similar.
Simpler reports than that are most welcome, too. Please make sure you have the date, your name, loca- tion, limiting magnitude, and SHORT COUNT BINS in the report.
At times for which the data analysis resolves struc- tures as short as say 10 minutes, observing periods of 1 hour duration will smear out the information. They have to be excluded from the analysis. Combining 5-minute observing bins into 1-hour periods is always possible. Please remember to record and report 5-min bins.
Clear skies and good luck!