Meteor Activity Outlook for January 19-25, 2007

January sees a peak of sporadic activity for the
southern hemisphere while rates seen north of the equator begin a steady downward
turn that continues throughout the first half of the year. The sporadic activity
is good for both hemispheres, but not as good as it was for northern observers in
December. Once the Quadrantids have passed the shower activity for January is very
quiet.

This week the moon reaches its new phase on Friday
January 19th. At this time it lies near the sun and is not visible at night. As the
week progresses the waxing crescent moon will enter the evening sky but will set
long before the more productive morning hours arrive. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers
this week is near three for those viewing from the northern hemisphere and four
for those located south of the equator. For morning observers the estimated
total hourly rates should be near thirteen for observers north of the equator and
fifteen for those observers viewing from 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.

The radiant positions listed below are exact for Saturday
night/Sunday morning January 20/21. These positions do not change greatly day to day
so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases
(available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid lines
of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where these positions
are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer planetarium program is also useful
in showing the sky at any time of night on any date of the year. Activity from each
radiant is best seen when it is positioned highest in the sky, either due north or
south along the meridian, depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that
meteor activity is rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards
from the radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant
lies at the edge and not the center. This method will allow you to easily trace the
path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member) or in another
direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen from radiants that are
located below the horizon. The positions below are listed in a west to east manner
in order of right ascension (celestial longitude). The positions listed first are
located further west therefore are accessible earlier in the night while those
listed further down the list rise later in the night.

These showers are expected to be active this week:

The Antihelion (ANT) radiant is now centered at 08:52 (133) +16. This area
of the sky lies in eastern Cancer, two degrees southeast of the fourth magnitude
star Delta Cancri. This radiant is best placed near 0100 local standard time when it lies on the
meridian and is highest in the sky. Rates at this time should be near three per
hour as seen from the northern hemisphere and two per hour for observers located
south of the equator. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Antihelion
meteor would be of medium-slow speed.

The Coma Berenicids (COM) peaked near December 20
with an average ZHR of five. Rates have now fallen to less than one per hour no
matter your location. The current location
of this radiant is 13:28 (202) +13. This area of the sky is located in northern
Virgo, five degrees northeast of the third magnitude star Vindemiatrix (Epsilon
Virginis). These meteors are best seen near 0500 local standard time when the
radiant lies highest above the horizon. At 65 km/sec. the Coma Berenicids will
usually produce meteors of swift velocity.

Sporadic rates have passed the late year plateau
for observers located in the northern hemisphere. One would expect to see perhaps
thirteen random meteors during the last hour before dawn from rural observing sites.
During the first dark hour after the end of evening twilight, perhaps three random
meteors can be seen per hour. Sporadic rates increase as the night progresses so
rates seen near midnight would be near eight per hour. Sporadic rates seen from the
southern hemisphere are near the first of two annual maximums. One would expect
to see perhaps fifteen random meteors during the last hour before dawn from rural
observing sites. During the first dark hour after the end of evening twilight,
perhaps four random meteors can be seen per hour. Sporadic rates increase as the
night progresses so rates seen near midnight would be near nine per hour.