Reading Astronomical Society | This Month

Bright Asteroids near opposition

Name	Date	Magnitude
(135) Hertha	12th November	10.8
(532) Herculina	23rd November	10.2
(182) Elsa	26th November	10.8
(21) Lutetia	30th November	10.2
(10) Hygeia	3rd December	10.3

Active Meteor Showers

Shower	Activity	Maximum	ZHR	Radiant RA	Radiant Dec
Southern Taurids	25th September - 25th November	5th November	5	03h28m	+15?
The Southern and Northern Taurids are both associated with weakly-active Comet 2P/Encke, which has the shortest orbital period of any comet known (3.3 years). The two showers give low rates, but occasional fireballs spice up their prospects, and in some years (as last in 2005, and next due this year) these can be especially prevalent in late October to early November (little Moon). Slow meteors. Full Moon is on November 13.
Northern Taurids	25th September - 25th November	12th November	5	03h52m	+22?
The Southern and Northern Taurids are both associated with weakly-active Comet 2P/Encke, which has the shortest orbital period of any comet known (3.3 years). The two showers give low rates, but occasional fireballs spice up their prospects, and in some years (as last in 2005, and next due this year) these can be especially prevalent in late October to early November (little Moon). Slow meteors. Full Moon is on November 13.
Leonids	10th November - 23rd November	17th November	20+?	10h08m	+22?
Possibly heightened Leonid activity is predicted for this year, with ZHRs maybe 50-100+ around 00h20m UT on November 17, or 21h40m UT on November 18. The normal peak is expected near 09h UT on November 17. Other potential maxima are not excluded. Observing will be difficult because of the bright waning Moon, but is important. The proximity of the shower's parent comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle helped produce strong to storm returns in 1998-2002. It was at perihelion in 1998. Very swift meteors, often trained.
alpha Monocerotids	15th November - 25th November	21st November	variable	07h52m	+01?
The ? Monocerotids had a suspected periodicity of ten years between their high, short-lived outbursts. The most recent one was in 1995, very well-seen across Europe. Estimated ZHRs were circa 420, but for only about five minutes; the whole outburst took less than half an hour! However, no outburst recurred in 2005, so the periodicity is unproven. Observers need to be alert every year, just in case. Very swift meteors. The maximum is due at 09h25m UT on 2008 November 21, in daylight for the UK, and with a waning crescent Moon anyway.