Date Time: January 4, 2020 0610-0650
Weather: No wind, mostly clear, a few clouds along the SE horizon, -0.8 C, 94% humidity.
Attendance: David McCashion
Equipment: None.
Objective: To view Quandrantid Meteor shower which was supposed to peak at 3am our time January 4th.
Report:
- After hearing a report of many meteors being seen, and clear skies in our area, went out to mostly clear skies at 0610am. It was very cloudy at around 930pm, so was surprised to see that it had cleared off.
- In 40 minutes, seen 9 meteors, mostly above and below Corona Borealis coming from an area between the big dipper and Polaris, much closer to the handle of the big dipper. They were all short burst of approx. 1st mag peak brightness. Seemed to be a hint of a smoke trail from each. Seen several more out of the corner of my eye that appeared to be short bursts, as well.
- Mostly watched the high, eastern sky, occasionally scanning around to the south and to the north. Seen one meteor while briefly watching the western sky. It was the same kind of short duration meteor with similar brightness, coming from the handle of the big dipper.
- First light started after 640am, but still seen several falling stars after that.
- Overall, the best meteor shower I've seen in a long time. Internet reporting of events like this, in real time, are very helpful.
- The Quandrantid Meteor shower is named after a constellation that doesn't exist anymore. Quadrans Muralis ceased to exist after a gathering of astronomers, in 1922, came up with our modern day, existing 88 constellations. It's an area of the sky that goes from the handle of the big dipper to Arcturus, approximately.
- Several satellites were seen, all heading south in the eastern sky.
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