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Lyrid Meteor Shower Reminder
It's been a long while since anyone made a post about the upcoming Lyrid
meteor shower. Just thought I would put the following in as a reminder. Useful
Lyrid activity began yesterday (April 16). So far the long range weather
prediction for S. California looks good. Hopefully I'll get a few hours of
observing in prior to midnight and a few all nighters beginning this sunday.
George Zay
LYRIDS - This shower peaks on April 21/22 and produces 15 meteors
per hour on average. Although the Lyrids are considered to be a
major shower, I personally think of them as being a very active
minor shower. The Lyrids are associated with Comet Thatcher 1861I
and have produced several bursts of activity in the past. The most
recent such event occurred in 1982 when the ZHR reached 90 meteors
per hour. Begin your observations around 23 hours local. This year
the moon will be a waning crescent and rising just before dawn.
It is difficult to photograph the Lyrids due to their low numbers
and only occasional fireball. I recommend a 50mm lens set at
f/1.4-2.0. The Lyrids are visible from the southern hemisphere,
but at a much reduced rate. Max: for 1998, April 21/22 at
10hr UT; ZHR: 15; Vel. 48km/s(Fast); Duration: April 16-25;
Population Index: 2.9; Radiant diameter: 5 degrees; Train produc-
tion: 17.2%; Radiant: RA 18h04m, Dec +34; Three Letter Shower
Code: LYR
Follow-Ups: