Meteor Activity Outlook for June 9-15, 2006

During June observers in the northern hemisphere see some of their lowest rates of the year. During this month the sporadic rates bottom out producing an average of only one meteor every ten minutes, even from dark sky sites. The active showers are also modest this month, barely adding any more activity to the nighttime scene. Observers south of the equator are enjoying some of their best rates of the year. This activity is produced from strong sporadic rates and the fact that the Antihelion radiant is positioned well south of the celestial equator this time of year. Combine this activity with long nights and the core of the Milky Way riding high in the sky, and you get an impressive scene. Unfortunately we have so few southern observers to enjoy this scenario. This is a reason that observations from south of the equator are so important. The short nights in the northern hemisphere often make June the least active month for meteor observers. Those who live in the more temperate latitudes should make every effort to view the elusive June
activity and to report their valuable data.

During this period the moon reaches its full phase on Sunday June 11. This weekend and for the remainder of this period, the moon will be present in the sky most of the night, limiting the meteor activity to be seen. The sources of meteors listed below are active during this period but will be difficult to observe. If your sky is transparent and the limiting magnitude exceeds +5.0, then you may be able to achieve some success at observing during this period. The estimated total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near one for those in the Northern Hemisphere and two for those located in the Southern Hemisphere. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near four for those located in the Northern Hemisphere and eight for those in 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. Rates are reduced this week due to intense moonlight.

The full descriptions will continue next week when the moon reaches its last quarter phase and is not such a nuisance to observers.

Antihelion (ANT) 18:12 (273) -23,
Northern Hemisphere 1/hr. – Southern Hemisphere 2/hr.

June Lyrids (JLY) 18:32 (278) +45,
Northern Hemisphere >1/hr. – Southern Hemisphere 0/hr.

Daytime Arietids (DAR) 03:08 (047) +25,
Northern Hemisphere >1/hr. – Southern Hemisphere >1/hr.