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(meteorobs) June 12 Observations-The Xi Draconids-They're Back!!!
-- [ From: Robert Lunsford * EMC.Ver #2.5.3 ] --
I observed for 4 hours from the Descanso Observatory with George this
morning. I counted a total of 45 meteors including 9 that radianted from
an area near 281 +55, a bit further eastward but still very close to
last year's Xi Draconid radiant. These meteors were of medium speed
averaging 12.5 degrees per second in angular velocity. 8 of the 9 XDR's
were seen during the first 2 hours of the session. 4 of these were seen
between 0832 and 0852. The 3rd hour was completely devoid of any
activity while the last hour produced only 1 possible shower member. It
will be interesting to see what conclusions George produces as we
analyzed our plots separately at home after the watch. The difference in
activity between yesterday and today was surprising. June 12 must be the
clearly marked beginning of this display with perhaps a maximum
occurring on the 16th as seen by Marco last year.
0730-0830 UT 0.92 6.54 1 SAG 3 XDR 8 SPO 12 TOTAL
0830-0930 UT 0.92 6.51 1 SAG 5 XDR 4 SPO 10 TOTAL
0930-1030 UT 0.88 6.53 2 SAG 1 TOP 11 SPO 14 TOTAL
1030-1130 UT 0.93 6.42 3 SAG 1 XDR 5 SPO 9 TOTAL
MAGNITUDES:
SAGITTARIDS: (+1) 1 (+2) 2 (+3) 3 (+4) 1 AVERAGE: +2.57
XI DRACONIDS: (+1) 1 (+2) 4 (+3) 3 (+4) 1 AVERAGE: +2.44
THETA OPHIUCHIDS: (+4) 1 AVERAGE: +4.00
SPORADICS: (0) 2 (+1) 2 (+2) 7 (+3) 11 (+4) 4 (+5) 2
AVERAGE: +2.68
I faced due north at an elevation of 70 degrees the entire session.
There were no clouds and no breaks were taken.
Beginning Temperature/Humidity: 42 F (6 C) 63%
Ending Temperature/Humidity: 38 F (3 C) 78%
Bob Lunsford