Atlas of Meteor Showers: A Practical Workbook for Meteor Observers

ISBN-13: 9783030766429 / Angielski / Miękka / 2022 / 356 str.

Philip M. Bagnall

Recenzje

"The book seems clearly aimed at the interested and knowledgeable amateur who can navigate their way around a star chart and knows how magnitudes are defined. On the other hand, perhaps puzzlingly, it also has very basic advice about wrapping up warm when observing at night. ... this is a welcome guide for those keen to spot these beautiful evanescent objects and learn more about them." (Pippa Goldschmidt, BBC Sky at night magazine, January, 2022)

Spis treści

1. Introduction

2. Meteors

An introduction to meteors and meteor astronomy covering key definitions and concepts. In addition to introducing the reader to the science behind the appearance of a meteor there will be half a dozen sidebars covering subjects that are related to meteor astronomy but which are not the main focus of this book: e.g. meteorites, objects trapped in the Earth’s Lagrangian Points, etc.

3. Meteoroid Streams and Meteor Showers

This chapter explains the nature of meteoroid streams in more detail, their relationship to comets and how they result in meteor showers. Most meteor books tell the readers that meteors are related to comets and leave it at that. This book goes further and puts meteoroid streams into context in relation to the Solar System and demonstrates how numerous minor bodies such as cosmic dust, minor planets, the Zodiacal Light, Centaurs, etc are all interrelated.

4. Observing Meteor Showers

How to observe meter showers without using any equipment. The chapter concentrates on visual observations rather than photographic, video, radio, etc. Guidance is provided on how to stay safe.

5. The Major Meteor Showers

The following 18 sections profile the major and key minor meteor showers. Sections will typically include:

• Observing Notes – When best to observe the shower.

• Discovery – How and when the shower was discovered.

• Origins – Details of the shower’s parent body and its discovery.

• Activity Details – Quick Look table with key details of shower’s location, activity level, etc

• Other Data – Additional information of use and interest to observers.

• Timeline featuring key moments in the history of the shower.

• Diagram showing the orbit of the parent body.

• Finder Chart to locate the radiant.

• Radiant Drift Chart showing the position of the radiant as it drifts across the sky.

• Detailed Radiant Chart showing location and size of the radiant for specific dates.

• ZHR Activity Graph covering 1990-2020.

• Average ZHR Graph.

• 25-year Activity Levels so observers can better understand the chances of a good display.

• Magnitude Distribution chart showing the magnitude profile of the shower.

• Activity Curve.

• Radiant Altitude charts for various latitudes.

• Observing prospects table showing the Moon’s interference for the period 2020-2030.

Sections:

o The Quadrantids  

o April Lyrids

o  Aquariids

o June Boötids

o  Capricornids

o Southern  Aquariids

o Piscis Austrinids

o Perseids 

o  Cygnids

o  Aurigids

o September  Perseids

o October Camelopardalids

o Draconids

o Orionids

o Taurids

o Leonids

o Geminids

o Ursids

6. Minor Meteor Showers

Addressing the question of ‘Why observe minor showers?’ the next four sections will be a selection of some of the more interesting minor meteor showers.

o January to March

o April to June

o July to September

o October to December

Appendix 1: Greek Alphabet

Appendix 2: Constellation Abbreviations

Appendix 3: Glossary

Appendix 4: IAU List of Established Meteor Showers

Appendix 5: Orbit Basics

Appendix 6: Analysing Your Own Results (how to calculate the ZHR of a meteor shower using a calculator or an Excel spreadsheet).

Appendix 7: Meteor Record Sheet (a generic sheet for recording meteor shower activity)

Appendix 8: Magnitude Comparison Charts. A key aspect of meteor observation is making accurate magnitude estimations by comparing the brightness of a meteor to the stars it passes close by. This chapter will be a series of charts of the larger constellations that have stars with a wide range of magnitudes. The stars will not be identified (e.g.  Tauri), only the magnitudes will be given – which is all the observer needs.

Appendix 9:  Gnomonic Plotting Charts. Meteors are often plotted on charts to see if they originate at a radiant and are therefore shower members. Star atlases such as Norton’s cannot be used for this purpose as the map projection distorts the shape of the sky and meteors have to be plotted as curves. To overcome this, meteor plotters must use gnomonic charts.

Appendix 10: Major Meteor Showers (data table)

Downloads

(1) A shower activity record and a fireball record

(2) Radiant charts 

(3) Gnomonic charts

(4) Magnitude comparison charts

(5) An Excel spreadsheet - Zenithal Hourly Rate

O autorze

Phil Bagnall has pursued amateur astronomy and, in particular, meteor astronomy for more than 50 years. He is the author of The Meteorite & Tektite Collector’s Handbook (Willmann-Bell, 1991) and the Star Atlas Companion (Springer, 2012). Additionally, he was a long-time contributor to Astronomy magazine, particular on the subject of meteors and meteor showers. He has also written for science magazines such as New Scientist, Focus, Earth, and Science PROBE!

Blurb

This atlas contains everything you need to know about meteor showers and how to observe them. It begins with the science behind these celestial fireworks, then equips you with all the practical knowledge you’ll need to make the most of these wonderful astronomical events.

The book is rich with illustrations, graphs and resources to assist your hobby. In addition, it includes downloadable radiant charts, report sheets, radiant altitude data, plotting charts and more, to help you locate each shower, record its activity and plot individual meteors during your nights of observation.

Intended for amateurs of all levels and requiring no special equipment, this accessible Atlas of Meteor Showers will hone your skills and keep you engaged throughout the year, no matter where you are in the world.