Geminids 2011
by Dave Huestis
The annual Geminid metoer shower peaked last night (December 13-1) from sometime after 10 pm until dawn. I'm assuming it did, since once again clouds rolled. in up in northern Rhode Island.
Ladd Observatory on Providence's East Side was open last night for the first evening in over a month and a half. Despite a bright Moon, well over a hundred visitors got great views of Jupiter and his moons through the 12-inch Brashear refractor. Though I spent all evening in the dome, I did not hear anyone out on the deck yell out due to observing a meteor.
It was still clear in Providence around 9:15 pm or so as I left for my home in Pascoag. The thin cloud cover increased as I drove northwestward. Upon arrival the high clouds had become so thick that only the Moon and Jupiter were visible.
The clouds and bright moonlight combined spelled doom for any metoer observing. I later checked at 3:00 am and the clouds still prevailed. It was still overcast at 6:00 am. Looking at the weather maps, etc. this morning it seems like the enitre Southern New England area suffered the same fate.
If anyone caught even a glimpse of a meteor or two please share your observing experience.
I subsequently received an observing report from Alex Bergemann. He and his mom started observing at 8:00 pm. They counted a total of 10 meteors, 3 of which were of mag +2, 5 of mag +1, and 2 of mag -1.
Of those 10, 6 were of 1 second duration while 4 were of 2 second duration.
I'm glad someone got a glimpse of the Geminids.
