Rare non-periodic meteor shower
Ok, for anyone with skywatching interests, there's going to be a shower tonight, visible in the western US and Canada, that's not part of the usual annual cycle. The Augurids are caused by the dust trail of comet Kiess, which last passed this way in 1911 after an orbit of about 2000 years. It's not common for Earth to pass through its dust trail, only every few decades, and this is likely to be the best viewing of them since 1935 and the last one at all for 70 years. I don't know if they will look any different than more common shooting stars (color, intensity, duration of burn, whatever), but the sparse data we have on remnants of long period comets suggest a different composition, as they seem to still retain their original surface that has long since burned off of comets that spend lots of time near the sun. Peak viewing is supposed to be about a half hour on either side of 4:36 AM Pacific, with probably about 200 strikes an hour. Getting away from city lights and minimizing the effects of moon glare (putting objects between you and the moon, going to high altitudes to minimize the light scatter) are suggested. Look to the east and northeast.
Given that I do have plans all Saturday, and I'd have to bring the toddler with me to see them, I still have to decide if I'm making the effort. But I thought I should get the word out. :)
Given that I do have plans all Saturday, and I'd have to bring the toddler with me to see them, I still have to decide if I'm making the effort. But I thought I should get the word out. :)