Meteor Activity Outlook for January 26-February 1, 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 waxes from half illumination
to nearly full. With each passing night the window of opportunity for dark skies
between midnight and dawn grows progressively smaller. The estimated total hourly
rates for evening observers this week is near two for those viewing from the
northern hemisphere and three for those located south of the equator. For morning
observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near fourteen for observers
north of the equator and sixteen 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. Evening rates are reduced due to moonlight.

The radiant positions listed below are exact for Saturday
night/Sunday morning January 27/28. 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 09:24 (141) +14. This area
of the sky lies in western Leo, ten degrees north of the first magnitude star Regulus
(Alpha Leonis). 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 two per
hour as seen from the northern hemisphere and one 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.

Sporadic rates have passed the late year plateau
for observers located in the northern hemisphere. One would expect to see perhaps
twelve random meteors during the last hour before dawn from rural observing sites.
During the first dark hour after the end of evening twilight, perhaps two random
meteors can be seen per hour. Sporadic rates increase as the night progresses so
rates seen near midnight would be near five 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 three random meteors can be seen per hour, increasing to six by midnight.
Evening rates are reduced due to moonlight.