IMO observations from the last decade (see HMO p. 145) showed
the timing of the mean or ‘traditional’ broad maximum varied between λ⊙ ∼ 139 .◦8 to 140 .◦3,
equivalent to 2010 August 12, 18h30m to August 13, 07h00m UT, while the shorter, enhanced
filamentary peaks all occurred between λ⊙ ∼ 139 .◦44 to 140 .◦55, 2010 August 12, 09h30m to
August 13, 13h30m UT. Recent work implies only the ‘traditional’ peak is liable to recur in 2010
(most likely near the nodal crossing time given in the table above), but observers should be
aware of these additional timings as possibilities, and plan their efforts accordingly, just in case!
New Moon on August 10 creates perfect viewing conditions across the peak this year. The
shower is best-observed from mid-northern latitudes, from where the Perseid radiant is usefully
observable from 22h–23h local time onwards, gaining altitude throughout the night. The nearnodal
part of the ‘traditional’ maximum interval would be best-viewed from Europe and North
Africa east to central Asia, assuming it happens as expected. All forms of observing can be
carried out on the shower. For example, video data has been used in recent IMO analyses to
clarify and refine the radiant position for the shower - and to confirm that occasional visual
suspicions the radiant may be multiple were almost certainly only illusory. The only negative
aspect to the shower is the impossibility of covering it from the bulk of the southern hemisphere.
κ-Cygnids
the timing of the mean or ‘traditional’ broad maximum varied between λ⊙ ∼ 139 .◦8 to 140 .◦3,
equivalent to 2010 August 12, 18h30m to August 13, 07h00m UT, while the shorter, enhanced
filamentary peaks all occurred between λ⊙ ∼ 139 .◦44 to 140 .◦55, 2010 August 12, 09h30m to
August 13, 13h30m UT. Recent work implies only the ‘traditional’ peak is liable to recur in 2010
(most likely near the nodal crossing time given in the table above), but observers should be
aware of these additional timings as possibilities, and plan their efforts accordingly, just in case!
New Moon on August 10 creates perfect viewing conditions across the peak this year. The
shower is best-observed from mid-northern latitudes, from where the Perseid radiant is usefully
observable from 22h–23h local time onwards, gaining altitude throughout the night. The nearnodal
part of the ‘traditional’ maximum interval would be best-viewed from Europe and North
Africa east to central Asia, assuming it happens as expected. All forms of observing can be
carried out on the shower. For example, video data has been used in recent IMO analyses to
clarify and refine the radiant position for the shower - and to confirm that occasional visual
suspicions the radiant may be multiple were almost certainly only illusory. The only negative
aspect to the shower is the impossibility of covering it from the bulk of the southern hemisphere.
κ-Cygnids
