QUADRANTIDS - The first annual shower peaks only two days after New

Years Day. It's parent source is comet 96P/Macholz. The Quadrantids

have the shortest duration of all the major showers...only four

days. The short but intense maximum can produce rates in excess of

100 meteors per hour for those lucky observers who are located in

the right place at the right time. Begin your Quadrantid observa-

tions at midnight. The shower must peak near 5 am local time in

order to see it at it's best. Observing only 6 hours on either side

of maximum will produce rates no better than 20-30 meteors per hour.

The Quadrantids are easy to photograph at maximum, with bright fire-

balls being visible. A 28mm f/2.8 wide angle lens ought to do good

here. This shower is invisible from the Southern Hemisphere due to

the northerly declination of the radiant and the short nights that

occur there at this time of year. Max: for 1997 Jan 2/3 at 11hr UT;

Hourly rates: 120; Vel. 41 km/s(Fast); Duration: Jan 1-5; Popula-

tion Index: 2.1; Radiant Diameter: 5 degrees; Train Production:

5.1%; Radiant: RA 15h20m, Dec +49 degrees; Three Letter Shower

Code: QUA

LYRIDS - This shower peaks on April 21/22, and produces 15 meteors

per hour on average. Although the Lyrids are considered to be a

major shower, I personally think of them as being a very active

minor shower. The Lyrids are associated with Comet Thatcher 1861I

and have produced several bursts of activity in the past. The most

recent such event occurred in 1982 when rates nearly reached 100

meteors per hour. It is difficult to photograph the Lyrids due to

their low numbers and only occasional fireball. I recommend a 50mm

lens for a 35mm set at f/1.4-2.0. The Lyrids are visible from the

Southern Hemisphere, but at a much reduced rate. Max: for 1997,

April 21/22 at 3hr UT; Hourly rates: 15; Vel. 48km/s(Fast);

Duration: April 16-25; Population Index: 2.9; Radiant diameter:

5 degrees; Train Production: 17.2%; Radiant: RA 18h04m, Dec +34;

Three Letter Shower Code: LYR

ETA AQUARIDS - The Eta Aquarids are the outbound (post-perihelion)

particles of Halley's comet. This shower is active from mid-April

through the end of May with a broad maximum occuring anytime from

May 2 through May 10. May 6 is designated as this showers peak as

of 1996. This shower is not well seen from the Northern Hemisphere

due to the low radiant altitude when seen from dark skies. For

latitudes around 33 deg North, I recommend observations to begin

near 2h30m local time. An observer may see nearly 40 meteors per

hour at shower maximum from tropical latitudes, decreasing to in-

visibility as you approach 50 degrees north latitude. From the

Southern Hemisphere the ETA Aquarids are by far the strongest

annual shower, producing an average of 60 meteors per hour at max-

imum. With the frequent trains and a medium average magnitude,

this shower shouldn't be too difficult to photograph. I would

expect a 50mm and a 28mm lens to be about equally successful.

If you are using a fast 50mm lens...such as at f/1.4 or 1.8...

stop down a little to around f/2.0. This will give you sharper

images...particularly if your camera is guided. Aim your camera

towards the radiant, but above it. Be sure to record camera start/

stop times and meteor appearance times as close to the exact

second as possible.1997 Max: May 4/5 at 22h UT; Hourly rates: 60;

Vel. 65 km/s(Very Fast); Duration: Apr. 19-May 28; Population

Index: 2.7; Radiant Diameter: 4 degrees; Train Production: 41.1%;

Radiant: RA 22h36m, Dec. -01; Three Letter Shower Code: ETA

SAGITTARIDS - As of 1996, the Sagittarids are made up of the former

Scorpids, Ophiuchids, and other Sagittarid radiants. These are ec-

liptical radiants combined as one. They take the place of the Vir-

ginids on April 15. Noted for many fireballs, I recommend a wide

angle lens such as a 28mm set at f/2.8. Max: May 19/20; Hourly

rates: 5; Vel. 30 km/s(Medium); Duration: April 15-July 15; Pop-

ulation Index: 2.3; Radiant Diameter: 15X10 degrees; Train Produc-

tion: Not an adequate record on hand; Radiant: 16h28m, Dec -22;

Three Letter Shower Code: SAG

SOUTH DELTA AQUARIDS - This is another shower best seen from the

Southern Hemisphere, where the radiant lies high in the sky dur-

ing their long winter nights. This is the strongest radiant of

about 6 that are active in this region during July and August.

In late July the combined count of these radiants approaches 30

meteors per hour under dark skies. Like many streams that lie

close to the ecliptic, this one possesses a double radiant. The

southern branch provides a majority of the activity and reaches

maximum activity two weeks earlier than the northern branch. The

average meteor from this shower is dim and therefore difficult to

photograph...thus a 50mm lens with aperature wide open would be

best when photographing. Max: Jul 27/28 at 00hr UT; Hourly rates:

20; Vel. 41 km/s(Fast); Duration: July 12-Aug 19; Population Index:

3.2; Radiant Diameter: 5 degrees; Train Production: 6.3%; Radiant:

RA 22h36m, Dec -16; Three Letter Shower Code: SDA

NORTH DELTA AQUARIDS - This is the sister radiant for the S. Delta

Aquarids. Meteors from this branch are even dimmer than it's south-

erly counter-part. Max: Aug 8; Duration: Jul 15-Aug 25; Hourly

rates: 4; Vel. 42 km/s(Fast); Population Index: 3.4; Radiant Dia-

meter: 5 degrees; Train Production: 9.1%; Radiant: RA 22h20m,

Dec -5; Three Letter Shower Code: NDA

ALPHA CAPRICORNIDS - This is a long lasting shower active throughout

July and August. A broad maximum occurs during the last week of July

and the first week of August centered on July 30. This shower pro-

duces the slowest meteors of all major annual showers. Due to it's

southerly declination this shower is better placed for observers in

the Southern Hemisphere. This shower is noted for it's bright fire-

balls that often fragment during flight. The combination of slow,

bright meteors is ideal for photography but unfortunately rates are

low; A wide angle lens would be ideal to capture alpha Capricornids.

Max: Jul 29/30; Hourly rates: 4; Vel. 23 km/s(Slow). Duration: Jul 3-

aug 15; Population Index: 2.5; Radiant Diameter; 8 degrees; Train Pro-

duction: 2.2%; Radiant: RA 20h28m, Dec -10; Three Letter Shower

Code: CAP

PERSEIDS - This is the most popular meteor shower of the year due to

the combination of high rates and fair weather this time of year in

much of the Northern Hemisphere. Any meteor seen in the month of Aug-

ust is a good bet to belong to the Perseid shower. A majority of act-

ivity is produced on August 11,12,13. Since 1991 a new second peak

began with ZHR rates over 100. This new peak occurs 12 hours prior to

the traditional peak. For 1997, the first peak is expected around

6hr UT on Aug 11/12 and the traditional peak around 18hr UT also on

Aug 11/12. Rates at max may average 50-75/hour. Moon will be a waxing

gibbous stage that will set shortly after midnight for most northern

Hemisphere locations. The brighter members of this shower are often

colorful and produce long-lasting trains. The Perseids are easy to

photograph near the date of maximum activity. I prefer using a wide

angle lens, but with high activity you're bound to capture several

with a 50mm as well. Unfortunately this shower is nearly invisible

from the Southern Hemisphere due to the northerly declination of it's

radiant. The Perseids are associated with comet P/Swift-Tuttle which

visited the inner solar system in late 1992. Observers that are situat-

ed on the night-side of earth when we reach the core of the comet's

orbit will witness enhanced activity for the next several years.

Max: Aug 11/12; Hourly rates: 60; Vel. 59 km/s(Very Fast); Duration:

Jul 17-Aug 24; Population Index: 2.6; Radiant Diameter: 5 degrees;

Train Production: 41%; Radiant: RA 3h04m, Dec +58; Three Letter

Shower Code: PER

ALPHA AURIGIDS - Just as the last of the Perseid meteors are seen

the alpha Aurigids become active. Rates are usually low for this

shower except for a period of about one hour on the morning of Aug.

31/Sep 1. If you are situated in dark morning skies when this sharp

maximum occurs you may see up to 50 shower members radiating from

the "Pentagon" of Auriga. Shower members seen during this peak of

activity are often bright and leave long-lasting trains. Notable

displays were seen in 1935, 1986 and 1994. The alpha Aurigids may

be particles from comet Kiess, last seen in 1911. Photographing the

alpha Aurigids is difficult except during the time of maximum acti-

vity. Max: for 1997 Aug 30/31 at 23h UT; Hourly rates: 10; Vel. 66

km/s(Very Fast); Duration: Aug 24-Sep 5; Population Index: 2.5;

Radiant Diameter: 5 degrees; Train Production: 48.8%; Radiant:

RA 5h36m, Dec +42; Three Letter Shower Code: AUR

ORIONIDS - The Orionids are the incoming (pre-perihelion)particles

from Halley's comet. This shower is active throughout October and

reaches it's maximum activity between October 17 and 25. The high-

est hourly rates average near 20 but occasionally reaches 40. Most

Orionid meteors are faint and therefore difficult to photograph.

Thus a fast 50mm lens at f/2.0 or better would help improve your

chances for a successful photograph. This shower's radiant is

located near the Celestial Equator allowing it to be seen equally

well from both hemispheres. Max: Oct 20/21, 1997 at 7h UT; Hourly

rates: 20; Vel. 66km/s(Very Fast); Duration: Oct 2-Nov 7; Popula-

tion Index: 2.9; Radiant Diameter: 10 degrees; Train Production:

38.5%; Radiant: RA 6h20m, Dec +16; Three Letter Shower Code: ORI

TAURIDS - These are slow, bright meteors visible during the months

of October and November. The southern radiant reaches it's maximum

activity during the first week of November, while the northern

radiant peaks one week later. Often rates as high as 10 meteors per

hour have been reported in early November, but on average the two

radiants produce half that rate. If Taurids were stronger this show-

er this shower would be easy to photograph. The Taurids are produced

by debris from comet Encke.

S. Taurid: Max: Nov 4/5; Hourly rates: 5; Vel. 27km/s(Slow/Medium);

Duration: Oct 1-Nov 25; Population Index: 2.3; Radiant Diameter:

10X5 degrees; Train Production: 0.006%; Radiant: RA 3h20m, Dec +13;

Three Letter Shower Code: STA

N. Taurid: Max: Nov 11/12; Hourly Rates: 5; Vel. 29km/s(Medium); Dur-

ation: Sep 13-Nov 25; Population Index: 2.3; Radiant Diameter: 10X5

degrees; Train Production: 0.006%; Radiant: RA 3h52m, Dec +22; Three

Letter Shower Code: NTA

LEONIDS - The Leonids are a shower of short duration, lasting only

one week centered on November 17/18. The Leonids are particles

from comet Temple-Tuttle, which will reach perihelion in 1998. A

great concentration of particles exists near the parent comet. In

years when the comet is far from the inner solar system, the acti-

vity remains below 10 meteors per hour. However, for approximately

10 years centered on the perihelion passage of Temple-tuttle, the

Leonids can produce marvelous displays of celestial fireworks. We

are now within this period of enhanced activity and one whould not

miss the opportunity to watch the Leonids. During periods of high

activity, the Leonids are easy to photograph. Many shower members

are bright and leave long lasting trains. The 1997 return will be

hampered by light of a near full moon. Photographic efforts are

still possible. Use a 28mm or a 50mm lens set at f/2.8. Use a black

and white 400 ASA film such as HP-5 or Tri-X and aim your camera

towards the North east elevated at a 50 degree angle. Make ex-

posures no longer than 10 minutes. The Leonid stream collides with

the earth from a head-on position that produces the highest veloci-

ty of all major showers: 71 km/s. Fortunately the Leonid radiant is

located close enough to the Celestial Equator that these displays

may be enjoyed by both hemispheres. Max: Nov 16/17, 1997 at 11hr UT;

Hourly rates: 40+; Vel. 71 km/s(Very Fast); Duration: Nov 14-21;

Population Index: 2.5; Radiant Diameter: 5 degrees; Train Produc-

tion: 58%; Radiant: RA 10h12m, Dec +22; Three Letter Shower

Code: LEO

GEMINIDS - The Geminids, with their high rates and reliability

from year to year, are the shower of choice for veteran meteor

observers. This is usually the strongest shower of the year,

producing over 100 meteors per hour on the morning of Dec 13/14.

The Geminids are visible for one week prior to maximum, but the

great majority of activity is limited to December 12/13 and

13/14. This shower produces many bright meteors, but persistent

trains are rare. Near Maximum there are many fireballs, combined

with a medium speed this shower is easy to photograph. Use a

wide angle 28mm f/2.8 lens for best results. The Geminids are

visible from the Southern Hemisphere, but at a greatly reduced

rate. The parent object of the Geminids were unknown until re-

cently. However, the Asteroid 3200 Phaethon, discovered by IRAS

(Infrared Astronomical Satellite) in 1983, is now known to be the

source of the Geminid meteors and it is also the only non-comet-

ary object associated with the evolution of a major annual stream.

Max: Dec 12/13, 1997 at 22h UT; Hourly rates: 110; Vel. 35 km/s

(Medium); Duration: Dec 7-17; Population Index: 2.6; Radiant:

7h28m, Dec +33; Radiant Diameter: 5 degrees; Train Production:

3.1%; Three Letter Shower Code: GEM

URSIDS - These meteors are visible for one week prior to Christ-

mas. Although the radiant is circumpolar for most Northern Hemi-

phere locations, it's activity will mainly be noted after mid-

night on the morning of Dec 21/22. Actually I find the best time

near 3 am local to dawn. The parent source of this shower is

comet 8p/Tuttle, which last reached perihelion in 1994. A short

but strong display has been seen three times while comet Tuttle

was near aphelion, with the last burst of activity occuring in

1986. Thus the year 2000 may provide the next possible strong

display of Ursid Meteors. This shower is difficult to photograph

due to the low numbers and the faintness of it's meteors. Thus a

fast 50mm lens aimed at the bowl of the little dipper would be

best. this shower is invisible in the southern Hemisphere.

Max: Dec 21/22, 1997 at 11h UT; Hourly rates: 10; Vel. 33 km/s

(Medium); Duration: Dec 17-26; Population Index: 3.0; Radiant:

RA 14h28m, Dec +76; Radiant Diameter: 5 degrees: Three Letter

Shower Code: URS

NOTES:

Date of Maximum = The average date of highest activity.

Hourly Rate = The ZHR rate with the radiant at the zenith (The average rate seen under clear skies with no obstructions with Sky Limiting Magnitude of 6.5...the actual count may differ somewhat due to yearly circumstances as well as the observers own perception).

Velocity = The speed (in km/sec) upon striking the earth's atmosphere.

Duration = The average calendar dates when a shower is visible.

Train % = Based on my data with LM's between 5.7-6.0

This list was adapted from the International Meteor Organizations updated working list. If the reader is interested in

recording meteor data for IMO's database for on going studies,

contact:

International Meteor Organization

North American Section Director

Robert Lunsford

161 Vance St.

Chula Vista, Calif. 91910

or e-mail:

LUNRO.IMO.USA@prodigy.com

or

An alternative contact would be me:

George Zay

GeoZay@aol.com

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