Meteor Activity Outlook for October 6-12, 2006

Meteor rates continue to be strong as seen from the northern hemisphere. The antihelion radiant has now merged with the two Taurid radiants producing slow meteors during the late evening and early morning hours. Meteors from the Orionid radiant are visible most of the month. Strong sporadic rates continue during the morning hours as long as the moon is below the horizon. From the southern hemisphere, sporadic rates have reached their nadir and begin a slow recovery the second half of the month. Meteors from the Taurid and Orionid radiants also help to fill the southern skies with more activity than has been seen since July. A new moon during the peak of the Orionid shower is a plus for all and should help inflate meteor totals that have suffered since the Perseid maximum back in August.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Saturday October 7. The sources of meteors listed below are active during this period but will be difficult to observe this week. If your sky is transparent and the limiting magnitude exceeds +5.0, then you may be able to achieve some success. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near three for those in the Northern Hemisphere and one for those located in the Southern Hemisphere. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near twelve for those viewing in the Northern Hemisphere and eight for those in the Southern Hemisphere. These rates assume that you are watching from rural areas away from all sources of light pollution. 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 intense moonlight.

The full descriptions of each active meteor shower will continue next week when the moon becomes less of a nuisance to observers.

Clear Skies!