Meteor Shower Prospects for 2005
January 2005 :
Note: This article may contain outdated information
This article was published in the January 2005 issue of The Skyscraper and likely contains some information that was pertinent only for that month. It is being provided here for historical reference only.
The upcoming year (2005) looks fairly bleak as far as major
astronomical events are concerned. Oh, there is always something of
interest occurring in the sky for the sky enthusiast, but the casual
stargazer requires events a little more spectacular than the rest of
us do.
Last year we had favorable Moon conditions for several of the
major meteor showers. As usual the weather didn't cooperate. And I
thought 2003 was bad!! We did get lucky with Comet Neat during mid-
May, the June 8 transit of Venus, and the October 27 total lunar
eclipse. Unfortunately we do not have a block bluster line-up of
similar events scheduled for 2005.
Even the meteor shower prospects for the upcoming year are
meteorocre (sic) at best. Only two occur during favorable Moon phases.
They are the Eta Aquarids of May and the once reliable Perseids of
August. We can only hope there is a new comet somewhere out in the
depths of the solar system ready to head our way and put on a good
show.
Normally I welcome in the new year with the Quadrantids, but in
2005 they will be spoiled by the bright last quarter Moon on the night
of January 2-3. Activity is best after midnight, but that to is the
time the Moon will rise. It will certainly reduce the number of
meteors one could observe. The Quads are bright, blue and fast (25.5
miles per second). To salvage any good looks at this shower you can
start observing after midnight and first cast your gaze towards the
northeast sky and scan around. As the morning progresses begin
scanning a little more westward. Between 4:00 am and dawn hold the
best prospects.
Furthermore, to maximize your chances of seeing as many shooting
stars as possible, at least shield the Moon from your direct view. The
Quads often blaze more than halfway across the sky, and a small
percentage of those leave persistent dust trains. Just remember, it's
going to be quite cold out there, so be sure to do whatever is
necessary to stay warm and alert.
Below are the bleak prospects for the major meteor showers of
2005. I hope the weather will cooperate on the nights when the Eta
Aquarids and the Perseids peak. All of these meteor streams are old.
We need some new comets to visit the inner solar system in such a way
that the Earth will sweep though their dusty tail remnants. The
accompanying chart will highlight 2005's meteor showers and Moon
phases.
Good luck and stay warm.
