Sky at a Glance

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(it's also a link)







While watching for early Perseids on the night of August 10–11, 2005, a group in the Pohorje Mountains of Slovenia saw a dazzling sporadic (non-shower) fireball streak upward past the Pleiades at about magnitude –8. Using equipment set up by Simon Krulek (a Canon 300D digital camera set at ISO 1600 with a 21-mm f/3.5 lens), Peter Atanackov was lucky enough to catch this picture of it. Click image for better view.

Photo by Peter Atanackov / Simon Krulec

”

“Dang, that guy got a lucky shot. That's great.”

“Mmmmmmm, Sovenja!”

“LOL, I like the meteor shot better!”

“Cue Perry Como!”

““LOL, I like the meteor shot better!”

No meteor shot ever got a bratha laid though. Many a fair female heart has fallen for a good looking convertible though.”

“Which will be the best days to see the Perseids?”

“Sunday Night, August 12.... after midnight.

A few days before or after should be good, too.”

“OK. Hope the weather will be as perfect as this weekend.”

“May the Ductape be With you.”

“This Week's Sky at a Glance & Planet Roundup at Sky & Telescope.

Asteroid 2007 WD₅ zips past Mars on Jan 30 at a distance of about 16,000 statute miles. � Chance of impact ≈0.01%.


[IMO-News] Meteor Activity Outlook for January 25-31, 2008

January sees a peak of sporadic activity for the southern hemisphere while
rates seen north of the equator begin a steady downward turn that continues
throughout the first half of the year. The sporadic activity is good for
both hemispheres, but not as good as it was for northern observers in
December. Once the Quadrantids have passed the shower activity for January
is very quiet.

During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Wednesday
January 30. At this time the moon will rise near midnight and remain in the
sky the remainder of the morning. This weekend the bright waning gibbous
will make observing difficult unless your sky is transparent. The estimated
total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near two no matter
your location. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should
be near ten no matter your location. 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.

Meteor Activity, January - March

Alpha Centaurids
Feb 8
ZHR 5-25

Gamma Normids
March 13
ZHR 4

”

“These rates assume that you are
watching from rural areas away from all sources of light pollution.


Please you can't get that in the Smokies.”

“It's unfortunate.

Light pollution sucks big green whatever.”

“
� � Too many nights
� � Too many stars
� � Too many lumps upon my head

What song is that from?

”

“"the way we were" by Jose Quervo 1800 Gold Album”

“I don't remember, but aren't part of the remaining lyrics something like "don't let the stars get in your eyes, don't let the moon break your heart"?”

“OK, now I'm picturing Perry Como with a bottle of Cuervo 1800 in his hand, � LOL � � And he's feeling no pain.

So where did the line about the lumps come from? � Must've been a custom job.


And how did I manage to cross-thread this with the drinking thread?”