Meteor Activity Outlook for July 27-August 2, 2007

For observers in the northern hemisphere meteor
activity finally picks up in July after months of low rates. Several showers
become active this month and peak toward the end of the month. Sporadic activity
increases with each passing week throughout the northern summer. Activity seen in
the southern hemisphere is peaking and will remain strong throughout the month.
Later in the month strong minor shower activity will offset the falling sporadic
rates in the south. Sporadic rates as seen from the southern hemisphere are
highest early in the month and then fall quite steeply as the southern winter
progresses.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Monday July 30. The
moon will remain a major factor during this entire period obscuring all but
the brightest meteors. The sources of meteors listed below are active during
this period but will be difficult to observe this week due to the lunar
glare. 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 two no matter your location.
For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near
twelve no matter your location. 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 radiant positions listed below are exact for Saturday
night/Sunday morning July 28/29. 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. Doing this 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.

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