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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!