Catch a Falling Star

Have you taken advantage of our Mars public observing program at Seagrave Observatory? It's still not too late to get a decent view of our desert neighbor.

During the last two months, hundreds of folks visited the home of Skyscrapers Inc and were treated to images of Mars we amateurs haven't seen in years! When Mars was at its closest to the Earth on August 27, anyone looking at the planet easily saw the South Polar Cap(SPC), as well as many prominent surface markings. The SPC was so large and bright you couldn't miss it.

In more recent weeks the SPC has evaporated considerably because Mars' southern hemisphere has been basking in the increasing warmth of Spring since May 5, and its summer just began on September 29. It is a bit of a challenge to discern this region of frozen carbon dioxide now. Absolutely steady seeing is required to view the now small oval, all that remains of the SPC. It may disappear entirely as the Martian summer progresses, but surface features will still remain visible if no dust storms begin. Come out and visit us every Saturday night if the weather permits.

It has been quite some time since we've observed a decent meteor shower. The Perseids of August were once again clouded out. Fortunately two meteor showers present themselves in October. Let's see what we can expect for astronomical observing conditions.

We won't be so fortunate for the Draconid meteor shower on the night of October 8-9. The Moon will be Full on the 10th, so it will be quite bright and will be a presence in the sky practically all night. In itself this would spoil our chances of seeing the peak rate of 10 meteors per hour.

Another factor is that peak rates are also questionable this year, since the comet (Giacobini-Zinner) that produced the meteor stream made its last close approach to the Earth in 1998. We seldom get high rates this long after the comet's appearance. I'd say 2003 is a wash-out for the Draconids, though anything is possible.

The best meteor shower in October is the Orionids. Peak night this year occurs on October 21-22 with a waning crescent Moon that rises between 2:00 and 3:00 am. Moonlight will interfere a little with observing the meteors, since the best show occurs after midnight as Orion rises higher into the sky.

Regardless, an observer in a dark sky location should have no difficulty observing possibly 15-20 yellow and green meteors per hour during peak. And since October skies are usually clear and transparent, the Orionids will hopefully be seen under fairly good conditions despite the Moon's presence. Just block it from direct view with a building or something. These remnants of Halley's Comet intercept the Earth's orbit nearly head-on at 41.6 miles per second, so they are bright and are also noted for producing fireballs that create persistent dust trains high in the atmosphere. Good luck.

Earlier in the month the Full Moon of October is the Hunter's Moon, occurring on Friday, October 10 at 3:27 am EDT (Eastern Daylight Time). And speaking of EDT, on October 26 at 2:00 am, most of the US reverts back to EST (Eastern Standard Time). Don't forget the old saying: Spring ahead, Fall behind! Set your clocks back one hour before retiring on Saturday night (the 25th), or you'll be an hour early for everything first thing Sunday morning!!

Remember to check our web site - http://www.theskyscrapers.org - for further information, and always keep your eyes to the skies.