Ursid Meteor Shower!

[Galactic2000]

Hi All,


Ursid Meteors at Subzero Temps!

Well last night proved to be the coldest night of the year, with Subzero temps and the wind chill in the City of Dayton, Ohio hovering at -30F.

Although the frigid temps stopped me from staying out longer than 10 minutes at a time and even with the partly cloudy skies, I did manage to see a few of the Ursid Meteors last night and this morning.

My North East Sky Video Cam did capture 3 Ursids, and 3 Sporadic Meteors last night.

The Ursids usually do not put on a spectacular display, but you can typically expect to see 8 to 10 per hour, and few really bright ones throughout the night!

The Shower is caused by the dust stream of Comet 8P/Tuttle, and named for the radiant point originating in Ursa Minor (aka the Little Dipper).

Hopefully others who braved the cold had a chance to see a few Ursid Meteors this year.

You may still see a few Ursids tonight if the sky stays clear!

[bunker9603]

John, your Sky Video Cam did a great job. I feel your pain on the cold temps, I am probably no more than 35 miles south of you and the wind will cut right through you.

[RickJ]

Sounds like your temperatures were even colder than ours in northern MN. My outside thermometer reports invalid data below -30C which is warmer than -30F. All I know was that it was below -30C here. Winds were high and snow from earlier in the day was blowing like crazy. Limiting magnitude through it was only about 2.5, facing south away from the wind, so I never did give it much of a try. The thought of facing that north wind no longer appeals to me. 45 years ago I did it without a thought. Doesn't work that way today.

Thanks for the image. Those will have to do me for this year.

Rick

[danscope]

" FROSTBITE FALLS !!!!. Why that's our home town!"
Rocket J. Squirrel

[Galactic2000]

Thanks everyone,

My Ursid meteor shower shot is now featured on NASA's Spaceweather.com site as well.

[JAICOA]

Congrats John!, Another fine image of the Ursids. Merry Xmas my friend and Clear Skies.