Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BlueToTheBone

(3,747 posts)
Mon Jan 2, 2012, 11:23 PM Jan 2012

Meteor Shower this Wednesday

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/story/2012-01-02/quadrantids-meteor-shower/52343378/1

It sounds like it will be lovely. I have a clear view of the Big Dipper out my window and I may try to get up for this.

snip
The Quadrantids, named for a now-extinct constellation, will be visible for two hours early Wednesday, from about 3 to 5 a.m. local times.

The shower is likely to produce up to 100 falling stars an hour, making for a good show. People across North America who stay up late enough, and who have a clear sky, should get a nice view, says Conrad Jung, an astronomer at Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland.

Other than typical January temperatures, the weather should cooperate for watchers: "Viewing should be great over most of the country," reports Weather Channel meteorologist Mark Ressler. The only potentially cloudy spots should be in the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast, he says.

It's possible that the East may get a more intense shower because it will go through the densest part of the debris stream first. "But that doesn't mean the West won't see anything," he says.
4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Meteor Shower this Wednesday (Original Post) BlueToTheBone Jan 2012 OP
WOW I can't wait!! I hope I'll see something. Rainbow Sunrise Jan 2012 #1
Sigh. We never have clear skies in my area. MorningGlow Jan 2012 #2
more info from spaceweather magical thyme Jan 2012 #3
Ooo. Thank you! Lucinda Jan 2012 #4

MorningGlow

(15,758 posts)
2. Sigh. We never have clear skies in my area.
Tue Jan 3, 2012, 12:05 AM
Jan 2012

Western NY is really close to the PNW when it comes to gloom. I don't even bother trying to see meteor showers anymore. It's ALWAYS cloudy.

 

magical thyme

(14,881 posts)
3. more info from spaceweather
Tue Jan 3, 2012, 07:07 AM
Jan 2012

"will be visible for two hours early Wednesday, from about 3 to 5 a.m. local times."

Since USA Today couldn't be bothered to tell us which time zone they are referring to above, or the general direction to watch.

http://spaceweather.com/meteors/quadrantids/quadrantids.html

In 2012 forecasters expect the shower to peak around 07:20 UT (02:20 am EST) on Wednesday, January 4. The peak is brief, typically lasting no more than an hour or so, and it does not always occur at the forecasted time, so observers are encouraged to be alert for meteors throughout the early hours of January 4th.

Look to the northeast.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Astrology, Spirituality & Alternative Healing»Meteor Shower this Wednes...