# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Music fans were given an unexpected surprise when a fiery meteorite gatecrashed a set by the Foo Fighters during a Dutch music festival.

The American rockers were performing at Landgraaf's Pinkpop festival when a fireball streaked across the sky. The celestial ball of light is thought to have been the same phenomenon observed in dozens of reports to the International Meteor Organization (IMO).

The Belgian agency, which documents comet and meteor shower sightings, reported 90 eyewitness cases involving the fireball across Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and France late on June 16.

Sebastiaan de Vet, an astronomer with the Meteor Working Group in Holland, told RTL Nieuws that the phenomenon was likely a meteorite surrounded by particles of grit.

Meanwhile, German astronomer Uwe Reichert has posted a stunning image showing the shooting meteorite alongside the moon and a glimpse of the planet Venus.

"The fireball glowed white-green, resembling a bursting New Year's eve rocket, but was much faster and moving in a straightforward manner. It pierced the clouds," he said.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'Look, a Foo Fighter!' Meteor fireball lights up rock concert in the Netherlands -- Sott.net

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Music fans were given an unexpected surprise when a fiery meteorite gatecrashed a set by the Foo Fighters during a Dutch music festival. The American rockers were performing at Landgraaf's Pinkpop festival when a fireball streaked across the sky.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It glowed like a meteor, boomed like a meteor, and therefore - applying the duck test - was probably a meteor.

Social media pages across the Upper Clutha lit up on Monday night with postings of an extraterrestrial object in the sky to the west of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea.

Some said it was green, others that it was blue and many who did not see it heard the boom.

First to post were Dave Tetzlaff and partner Kirsten Mann, from their Lake Hawea vantage point.

''Anybody see the crazy lights and hear the boom at 9.15?'' asked Dave.

''The sky lit up brighter than a full moon,'' wrote Kirsten.

And, back came 112 responses from people spread between Haast in the north and Winton in the south.

A Wanaka woman said her house shook - ''sounded and felt like someone smashed into the garage door''.

A Makarora resident thought it was an earthquake; a Wanaka resident suspected an avalanche.

And one person watching from a hot tub ''saw a big meteorite light up the sky, very cool!''

Stefan Schwarz, of Mt Barker, said he saw ''a bright blue flash that trailed along with a tail followed by another larger blue flash''.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Meteor fireball arrives with a boom, lights up sky in New Zealand -- Sott.net

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It glowed like a meteor, boomed like a meteor, and therefore - applying the duck test - was probably a meteor. Social media pages across the Upper Clutha lit up on Monday night with postings of an extraterrestrial object in the sky to the west of...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
An unexplained bright light was seen travelling across the sky above Toowoomba earlier this morning.

There may be an innocent explanation for it but it brings forward the age old question - are we alone in the universe?

It is something that divides people all across the world and when unexplained flashes of light or objects are snapped in the sky, the question is again brought to the forefront of people's minds. Most of the time they can be explained, but sometimes they can't.

This morning Nathan Murphy shared a photo he snapped of the puzzling light moving across the sky at 6.30am.

He was sitting in his living room when he looked outside and noticed it.

"I thought it looking quite strange so my wife and I went onto our verandah and took a few photos," he said.

"It didn't have the same stream or move like a jet, this light was visible and moving for about 15 minutes. We thought maybe it might have looked like a comet, but not sure it could be one."

"People in Toowoomba may not have been able to see it because of tree cover but it was so clear out here."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Daytime meteor fireball jets across Toowoomba, Queensland sky -- Sott.net

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An unexplained bright light was seen travelling across the sky above Toowoomba earlier this morning. There may be an innocent explanation for it but it brings forward the age old question - are we alone in the universe? It is something that...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A very bright daylight fireball exploded over western Russia during the early morning hours of June 21, 2018. The event lasted several seconds before the object disintegrated in a bright flash.

The meteor was seen from the cities of Kursk, Lipetsk, Voronezh and Orel. A sonic boom was associated with this event and reported by residents.

The video below shows the disintegration of the meteor in the atmosphere as seen by Meteosat 9 satellite.

Meteorites are very likely and residents are already searching for them.

This fireball event is one of the biggest so far this year and we expect more videos, images and information during the day.

This report will be updated throughout the day.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stunning daylight fireball explodes with sonic boom over Russia, meteorites possible -- Sott.net

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A very bright daylight fireball exploded over western Russia during the early morning hours of June 21, 2018. The event lasted several seconds before the object disintegrated in a bright flash. The meteor was seen from the cities of Kursk,...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Two hot "stones" have fallen from the sky in Uttar Pradesh's village of Kasoli. The meteorite-like objects will be examined by a team and will identify the nature of the unearthly object. But is this the first time this has ever happened in India?

Time and again, humans have encountered tales about aliens, their world and a different universe that exist outside the proximity of Earth. And the unearthly objects have always fascinated the intrigue of a person. That intrigue was poked again on Friday when two hot "meteorite-looking" embers were found in the village of Kasoli in Uttar Pradesh by the locals.

According to Sub-divisional Magistrate Kumar Dharmendra, the hot stones fell down making a loud sound after a rainfall in the village. Dharmendra said, the stones have been taken into "safe custody" and will be investigated for experts to examine and identify whether they are meteorites.

Geography professor from a local college, Niraj Tyagi said the two "stones" could be a part of a big meteoroid. But, it is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In fact, this is not the first time such a thing has happened in the district. In November 2003, a black-coloured meteorite, as confirmed by the scientists, was found in Kasoli village.

11 cm thick with 29 cm diameter, the meteorite created a 15-inch deep crater when it landed in the village. Another case of two meteorites was reported from Karimpur village.

Many people have seen shooting stars at some point in their lives. A meteor can be seen as a flash of light in the night sky. It can be seen when a debris burns up while it passes the atmosphere. The debris that burns is known as a meteoroid.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Two 'hot stones' fall from the sky in Uttar Pradesh, India -- Sott.net

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Two hot "stones" have fallen from the sky in Uttar Pradesh's village of Kasoli. The meteorite-like objects will be examined by a team and will identify the nature of the unearthly object. But is this the first time this has ever happened in...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A bright fireball was seen streaking across the sky above the Netherlands at 21:30 UTC on June 29, 2018. The event lasted between 3 and 7 seconds before the object disintegrated.
The fireball was seen over Vlaanderen, Friesland, Noord-Brabant, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Gelderland, Limburg, Utrecht, Flevoland, Zuid-Holland, Drenthe, Bruxelles, Overijssel, Zeeland, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Noord-Holland, Wallonie, England, Groningen, Niedersachsen, Waals Gewest and North Holland, according to the International Meteor Organization who received 112 reports by 12:00 UTC, June 30.

Heatmap and trajectory of fireball over the Netherlands on June 29, 2018. Credit: IMO

The IMO has so far received only one image of this object:

Here is a first picture of the Dutch fireball that enlighted the sky 40 minutes ago. Image credit: Johan Pieper, from Kerkrade (NL)
If you observed it, please report: https://t.co/Pr5XOqcZE3 pic.twitter.com/6Q0LAOf58U
- IMO Meteor Org. (@IMOmeteors) June 29, 2018
Keep us going strong - subscribe today and get your ad-free account SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Producing content you read on this website takes a lot of time, effort, and hard work. If you value what we do here, please consider subscribing today.

If you witnessed this event, please submit your report/video/image at the following link: http://fireballs.imo.net/members/imo/report_intro

Featured image: Bright fireball over the Netherlands on June 29, 2018.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bright fireball over the Netherlands, 112 reports submitted to IMO

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A bright fireball was seen streaking across the sky above the Netherlands at 21:30 UTC on June 29, 2018. The event lasted between 3 and 7 seconds before the object disintegrated. The fireball was seen over Vlaanderen, Friesland, Noord-Brabant, Nordrh...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Residents of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district claim that two meteorites have fallen from the sky on June 29, 2018, after heavy rain in the area.
The objects, so far two of them, have been found near a house in Kasoli village after a loud noise shook the region. Both were handed over into 'safe custody' to sub-divisional magistrate.

"Both the objects resembled quartz in appearance but their exact nature will be ascertained after proper analysis. The stones will be sent to the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) in Bangalore for analysis," Muzaffarnagar's district magistrate Rajeev Sharma said.

According to Newsheads, a farmer and his brother saw the meteorites falling from the sky with a loud bang after heavy rain in the area.

One of the suspected meteorites that crashed near a house in Kasoli village, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India on June 29, 2018. Credit: HTP, via HindustanTimes

"Both stones were very hot and white in color," they said. "Their outer surface, however, turned black and brown perhaps due to overheating," one of the brothers said.
Keep us going strong - subscribe today and get your ad-free account SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Producing content you read on this website takes a lot of time, effort, and hard work. If you value what we do here, please consider subscribing today.

This is not the first such report coming from the same district, NDTV said.

In November 2003, the scientist had confirmed the finding of a big black-coloured meteorite in Kasoli village. The meteorite had a diameter of 29 cm (11.4 inches) and was 11-cm (4.3 inches) thick. It had created a 38-cm (15-inch) deep crater when it landed in the village.

Two meteorites were found in the Karimpur village in the district in 2009.

Featured image: One of the suspected meteorites that crashed near a house in Kasoli village, Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India on June 29, 2018. Credit: HTP, via HindustanTimes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2 suspected meteorites found after loud boom in Uttar Pradesh, India

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Residents of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district claim that two meteorites have fallen from the sky on June 29, 2018, after heavy rain in the area. The objects, so far two of them, have been found near a house in Kasoli village after a loud no...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The unmanned Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 has arrived at asteroid Ryugu, currently located 284 million km (176 million miles) away from Earth. The spacecraft will attempt 3 brief touch-and-go landings over the next 18 months to collect samples and return them to Earth in December 2020.
After a journey lasting 3 and a half years, JAXA's ion-powered Hayabusa2 spacecraft has reached its base operations on June 27, 2018, and is currently located about 20 km (12 miles) from asteroid 162173 Ryugu (formerly known as 1999 JU3). The asteroid's estimated diameter is 900 m (3 000 feet).

The spacecraft carries 3 small landers and a rover designed to investigate Ryugu's surface after being deployed from the mothership at about 60 m (200 feet) altitude and freefall to the asteroid.

Image credit: JAXA
Keep us going strong - subscribe today and get your ad-free account SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Producing content you read on this website takes a lot of time, effort, and hard work. If you value what we do here, please consider subscribing today.

Image credit: NASA/JPL. Edit: TW

Over the next 2 months, scientists will be looking for suitable landing places and attempt the first touchdown in September or October 2018 and the second in February 2019.

The third touchdown is scheduled for April or May 2019 before which they plan to hit the asteroid with a projectile to create a crater.

To remove the space-weathered surface and collect a fresh sample, the spacecraft carries the Small Carry-on Impactor or SCI. It is a small drop-off explosively formed penetrator, consisting of a 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) copper projectile contained in a 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) shaped charge.

The SCI impactor will be released by the spacecraft at about 500 m (1 640 feet) altitude above the asteroid surface. A second instrument will then be deployed: the deployable camera (DCAM3). This camera will observe the explosion of the impactor that will strike the asteroid with a velocity of 2 km/s (1.2 mi/s). The crater formed by the impact and explosive charge will be the site of further observations by the spacecraft.

As the sampling horn touches the surface, a 5-gram Tantalum bullet will shot at 300 m/s to the surface of the asteroid, and the resulting ejecta is expected to be collected by the sampling horn. The ejecta is expected to move to the sample catcher by its own momentum under microgravity conditions.

MASCOT lander is expected to be deployed in July 2019.

Ryugu seen from between 220 ~ 100 km. Are we seeing the history of the asteroid etched on its surface? https://t.co/cNG1ZGsqlI pic.twitter.com/qqTEozetCV
- HAYABUSA2@JAXA (@haya2e_jaxa) June 21, 2018

We have imaged asteroid Ryugu from a distance of about 40 km. Details of the asteroid surface are now clear, giving food for thought about the best locations for surface operations. https://t.co/y1gmpPYHbU pic.twitter.com/lEspwujMpp
- HAYABUSA2@JAXA (@haya2e_jaxa) June 25, 2018

We see you, Ryugu! Our ONC-T camera snaps a photo of asteroid Ryugu at 2600km. Optical navigation for our approach has now begun! https://t.co/aZm9PisOZt pic.twitter.com/31tldPpZx5
- HAYABUSA2@JAXA (@haya2e_jaxa) June 7, 2018

Hayabusa2 is a successor of the original Hayabusa mission, the first human mission to successfully return small pieces of an asteroid to Earth.

Hayabusa was launched in 2003 and rendezvoused with asteroid Itokawa in mid-September 2005. After arriving at Itokawa, Hayabusa studied the asteroid's shape, spin, topography, color, composition, density, and history. In November 2005, it landed on the asteroid and collected samples in the form of tiny grains of asteroidal material, which were returned to Earth aboard the spacecraft on June 13, 2010.

Hayabusa2 is expected to depart asteroid Ryugu in December 2019 and return to Earth in December 2020.

Featured image: Ryugu taken by ONC-T around 00:01 (Japan time) on June 24, 2018. Image credit: JAXA, Tokyo University, Kochi University, Rikkyo University, Nagoya University, Chiba Institute of Technology, Meiji Univ., Aizu Univ., AIST

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ion-powered Hayabusa2 spacecraft arrives at asteroid Ryugu

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The unmanned Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 has arrived at asteroid Ryugu, currently located 284 million km (176 million miles) away from Earth. The spacecraft will attempt 3 brief touch-and-go landings over the next 18 months to collect samples and return them to Earth in December 2020.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Asteroid 2018 MZ4 flew past Earth at 0.54 LD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A newly discovered asteroid designated 2018 MZ4 flew past Earth at 0.54 LD / 0.00139 AU (207 941 km / 129 208 miles) on June 16, 2018, one day before it was discovered. This is 36th known asteroid to flyby Earth within 1 lunar distance since the star...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A bright fireball exploded over New Zealand's South Island at 09:15 UTC (21:15 local time) on June 18, 2018. Witnesses say the object was green or blue and brighter than the full moon.
''Anybody see the crazy lights and hear the boom at 9.15,'' one eyewitness, located at Lake Hawea, posted on social media. ''The sky lit up brighter than a full moon,'' his partner said. His post received 112 responses, the Otago Daily Times reports.

"A bright blue flash that trailed along with a tail followed by another larger blue flash," another eyewitness said, adding that sonic boom hit about a minute later, shaking his house.

Alan Gilmore, Tekapo meteorite authority, who did not witness the event, suggested it was probably a meteor of a size larger than a basketball.

''The boom implies that it came quite low. An object has to come down below about 60 km [37 miles] for sound to reach the ground,'' he said.

The International Meteor Organization received just one report about this event.

Featured image: Eyewitness reports heatmap. Credit: IMO

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bright fireball explodes over South Island, New Zealand

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A bright fireball exploded over New Zealand's South Island at 09:15 UTC (21:15 local time) on June 18, 2018. Witnesses say the object was green or blue and brighter than the full moon. ''Anybody see the crazy lights and hear the boom at 9...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The Watchers - Daily news service | Watchers.NEWS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A bright fireball was observed streaking through the night sky over northern Europe at 21:11 UTC on June 16, 2018. The event lasted several seconds.
The International Meteor Organization (IMO) received 168 reports by 09:50 UTC on June 18. The object was observed Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and France.

It was recorded by several cams of the FRIPON network as well as residents.

First analysis indicates the meteor flew above Belgium. Its visual flight started over Vielsalm and Saint-Vith, Belgium.

The fireball went North-East (azimuth ~ 316°), with a ~40° inclination with the horizontal, on a ~75 km (46 miles) long path. It disappeared after fragmenting at an altitude of ~30 km (18.6 miles) altitude around 10 km (6 miles) NE of Liège, IMO said.

Image copyright Gernot Meiser, TWAN-Planetarium.de

Image copyright U. Reichert

Fireball seen from The Netherlands. Credit: Dumpert. Video is available at the following link.

Featured image: Bright fireball over Belgium on June 16, 2018. Image copyright Gernot Meiser, TWAN-Planetarium.de

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bright fireball streaks over Belgium, nearly 170 reports received

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A bright fireball was observed streaking through the night sky over northern Europe at 21:11 UTC on June 16, 2018. The event lasted several seconds. The International Meteor Organization (IMO) received 168 reports by 09:50 UTC on June 18. The object ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bright meteor on 16 June at 2:31 local time (0:31 universal time)

# data[].attributes.body
AMS evento #2092-2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Meteor season finally gets going in July for the northern hemisphere. The first half of the month will be much like June with predominately slow rates. After the 15th though, both sporadic and shower rates increase significantly. For observers in the southern hemisphere, sporadic rates will be falling but the overall activity will increase with the arrival of the Southern delta Aquariids during the last week of the month.

During this period the moon will reach it's last quarter phase on Friday July 6th. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees west of the sun and will lie rise near 0100 local daylight saving time (DST) for viewers located near mid-northern latitudes. This weekend the waning gibbous moon will rise during the late evening hours and will make it difficult to view meteor activity the remainder of the night as the lunar glare will obscure all but the brighter meteors. The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 3 no matter your location. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 11 no matter your location. Rates during this period are reduced due to interfering moonlight. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Note that the hourly rates listed below are estimates as viewed from dark sky sites away from urban light sources. Observers viewing from urban areas will see less activity as only the brighter meteors will be visible from such locations.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning June 30/July 01. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases (available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any time of night on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best seen when it is positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south along the meridian, depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that meteor activity is rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards from the radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant lies near the edge and not the center. Viewing there will allow you to easily trace the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member) or in another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen from radiants that are located far below the horizon. The positions below are listed in a west to east manner in order of right ascension (celestial longitude). The positions listed first are located further west therefore are accessible earlier in the night while those listed further down the list rise later in the night.

These sources of meteoric activity are expected to be active this week.

Details of each source will continue next week when observing conditions will be much more favorable.

Tags: Alpha Capricornids Anthelion Meteors c-Andromedids July chi Arietids July Meteor Activity July Meteor Showers July Pegasids June Meteor Activity June Meteor Showers Meteors Northern June Aquilids Phi Piscids South June Aquilids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Meteor Activity Outlook for June 30-July 6, 2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Meteor season finally gets going in July for the northern hemisphere. The first half of the month will be much like June with predominately slow rates. After the 15th though, both sporadic and shower rates increase significantly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
During this period the moon will reach it's full phase on Thursday June 28th. At that time the moon will be located opposite the sun and will lie above the horizon most of the night. This weekend the waxing gibbous moon will set prior to dawn allowing a short look at the morning activity before the sky becomes too bright for viewing. The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 2 as seen from mid-northern latitude (45N) and 3 from the southern tropics (25S). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 10 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 13 from the southern tropics (25S). Evening rates are reduced due to interfering moonlight. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Note that the hourly rates listed below are estimates as viewed from dark sky sites away from urban light sources. Observers viewing from urban areas will see less activity as only the brighter meteors will be visible from such locations.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning June 23/24. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases (available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any time of night on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best seen when it is positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south along the meridian, depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that meteor activity is rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards from the radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant lies near the edge and not the center. Viewing there will allow you to easily trace the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member) or in another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen from radiants that are located far below the horizon. The positions below are listed in a west to east manner in order of right ascension (celestial longitude). The positions listed first are located further west therefore are accessible earlier in the night while those listed further down the list rise later in the night.

These sources of meteoric activity are expected to be active this week.

The June Bootids (JBO) are usually a very weak shower that occasionally produces outbursts. Nothing out of the ordinary is expected this year. These meteors are best seen from June 23-25 with maximum activity occurring on the 24th. At maximum the radiant is located at 14:58 (224) +48. This position lies in northwestern Bootes, 15 degrees east of the second magnitude star known as Alkaid (Eta Ursae Majoris). This radiant is best placed in the evening sky just as the sky becomes dark. Observers in the northern hemisphere have a distinct advantage over those located south of the equator as the radiant lies much higher in the evening sky. No matter your location, little activity is expected from this source. With an entry velocity of 18 km/sec., the average June Bootid meteor would be of very slow velocity.

The center of the large Anthelion (ANT) radiant is currently located at 18:32 (285) -23. This position lies north-central Sagittarius, 4 degrees north of the 2nd magnitude star known as Nunki (sigma Sagittarii). This radiant is best placed near 0200 local daylight saving time (LDT), when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. Hourly rates at this time should be near 2 as seen from mid-northern latitudes and 3 as seen from tropical southern latitudes. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Anthelion meteor would be of slow velocity.

The Northern June Aquilids (NZC) are active from a radiant located at 20:04 (301) -08. This area of the sky is located in southeastern Aquila, 5 degrees northwest of the 4th magnitude naked eye double star known as Algedi (alpha Capricornii). This radiant is best placed near 0300 LDT, when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. With the July 3rd maximum still a week away, hourly rates at this time will be near 1 no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 38 km/sec., the average meteor from this source would be of medium-slow velocity.

The Southern June Aquilids (SZC) were discovered by G. Gartrell and W. G. Elford, in their study of Southern Hemisphere meteor streams. This stream is active from June 9 through July 17 with maximum activity occurring on July 6. The radiant is currently located at 20:27 (307) -31. This area of the sky is actually located in western Microscopium, 6 degrees southwest of the 4th magnitude star known as omega Capricornii. This radiant is best placed near 0300 LDT, when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. With the July 6th maximum still 2 weeks away, hourly rates at this time will be less than 1 no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 39 km/sec., the average meteor from this source would be of medium-slow velocity. This radiant is synonymous with the Microscopiids.

The beta Equulids (BEQ) were discovered by Dr. Peter Brown and associates using data from the Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar (CMOR) installation. These meteors are active from June 7-30 with maximum activity occurring on June 14th. The radiant position currently lies at 20:40 (310) +02. This area of the sky lies in in extreme northwestern Aquarius, 2 degrees north of the faint star known as 71 Aquarii. The brighter 3rd magnitude star known as Tseen Foo (theta Aquilae) lies 7 degrees to the southwest. These meteors are best seen near during the last dark hour of the night when the radiant lies highest in a dark sky. Hourly rates are expected to be less than 1. With an entry velocity of 33 kilometers per second, a majority of these meteors will appear to move with medium-slow velocities.

The phi Piscids (PPS) are another discovery by Dr. Peter Brown and associates using data from the Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar (CMOR) installation. These meteors are active from June 8-August 02 with maximum activity occurring on July 5th. The radiant position currently lies at 00:30 (007) +21. This area of the sky lies in north-central Pisces. The nearest star of note is the faint star known as eta Andromedae, which lies 4 degrees to the northeast. These meteors are best seen near during the last dark hour of the night when the radiant lies highest in a dark sky. Hourly rates are expected to be less than 1. With an entry velocity of 67 kilometers per second, a majority of these meteors will appear to move with swift velocities.

The first of the c-Andromedids (CAN) should be seen this week. This stream was discovered by Sirko Molau and Juergen Rendtel using video data from the IMO network. Activity from this source is seen from June 26 though July 27 with maximum activity occurring on July 9. The radiant currently lies at 00:54 (013) +43, which places it in northern Andromeda, just 2 degrees north of the faint star known as nu Andromedae. This position is also just 2 degrees northeast of the naked eye Andromeda Galaxy. This area of the sky is best seen during the last dark hour before dawn when the radiant lies highest in a dark sky. Observers in the northern hemisphere are better situated to view this activity as the radiant rises much higher in the sky before dawn compared to southern latitudes. Current rates would be less than 1 per hour no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 58 km/sec., the average meteor from this source would be of swift velocity.

As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately 7 sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near 1 per hour. As seen from the tropical southern latitudes (25S), morning rates would be near 9 per hour as seen from rural observing sites and 2 per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures. Evening rates during this period are reduced due to moonlight.

The list below offers the information from above in tabular form. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning except where noted in the shower descriptions.

Tags: Anthelion Meteors beta Equulids c-Andromedids June Bootids June Meteor Activity June Meteor Showers Meteors Northern June Aquilids Phi Piscids South June Aquilids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Meteor Activity Outlook for June 23-29, 2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 2 as seen from mid-northern latitude (45N) and 3 from the southern tropics (25S). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 10 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 13 from the southern tropics (25S).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
During this period the moon will reach it's first quarter phase on Wednesday June 20th. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 0100 local daylight saving time (LDT). This will cause interference with evening meteor viewing but the more active morning hours will be free of moonlight. This weekend the waxing crescent moon will set prior to midnight allowing good views of the morning activity. The estimated total hourly meteor rates for evening observers this week is 3 as seen from mid-northern latitude (45N) and 4 from the southern tropics (25S). For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should be near 8 as seen from mid-northern latitudes (45N) and 11 from the southern tropics (25S). Evening rates are reduced due to interfering moonlight. The actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching meteor activity. Note that the hourly rates listed below are estimates as viewed from dark sky sites away from urban light sources. Observers viewing from urban areas will see less activity as only the brighter meteors will be visible from such locations.

The radiant (the area of the sky where meteors appear to shoot from) positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning June 16/17. These positions do not change greatly day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period. Most star atlases (available at science stores and planetariums) will provide maps with grid lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may find out exactly where these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere or computer planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any time of night on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best seen when it is positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south along the meridian, depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that meteor activity is rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot outwards from the radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that the radiant lies near the edge and not the center. Viewing there will allow you to easily trace the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a shower member) or in another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity is not seen from radiants that are located far below the horizon. The positions below are listed in a west to east manner in order of right ascension (celestial longitude). The positions listed first are located further west therefore are accessible earlier in the night while those listed further down the list rise later in the night.

These sources of meteoric activity are expected to be active this week.

The center of the large Anthelion (ANT) radiant is currently located at 18:32 (278) -23. This position lies central Sagittarius, just 1 degree southeast of the bright planet Saturn. Due to the large size of this radiant, Anthelion activity may also appear from Serpens Cauda and Scutum as well as Sagittarius. This radiant is best placed near 0200 local daylight saving time (LDT), when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. Hourly rates at this time should be near 2 as seen from mid-northern latitudes and 3 as seen from tropical southern latitudes. With an entry velocity of 30 km/sec., the average Anthelion meteor would be of slow velocity.

The Northern June Aquilids (NZC) may be seen this week from a radiant located at 19:40 (295) -10. This area of the sky is located in southern Aquila, directly between the 3rd magnitude stars known as Al Thalimain (lambda Aquilae) and Dabih (beta Capricornii). This radiant is best placed near 0300 LDT, when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. With the July 3rd maximum still 2 weeks away, hourly rates at this time will be less than 1 no matter your location. With an entry velocity of 38 km/sec., the average meteor from this source would be of medium-slow velocity.

The Southern June Aquilids (SZC) were discovered by G. Gartrell and W. G. Elford, in their study of Southern Hemisphere meteor streams. This stream is active from June 9 through July 17 with maximum activity occurring on July 6. The radiant is currently located at 19:58 (299) -33. This area of the sky is actually located in southeastern Sagittarius, 2 degrees north of the pair of faint stars known as theta Sagittarii. This radiant is best placed near 0300 LDT, when it lies on the meridian and is located highest in the sky. With the July 6th maximum still 2 weeks away, hourly rates at this time will be less than 1 no matter your location. Interestingly enough, the radar equipment operated by Dr. Peter Brown currently shows this stream as a strong source. This means it is producing a lot of faint meteors, most are below the threshold of normal vision. With an entry velocity of 39 km/sec., the average meteor from this source would be of medium-slow velocity.

The beta Equulids (BEQ) were discovered by Dr. Peter Brown and associates using data from the Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar (CMOR) installation. These meteors are active from June 7-30 with maximum activity occurring on June 14th. The radiant position currently lies at 20:16 (304) +01. This area of the sky lies in eastern Aquila, 2 degrees northeast of the 3rd magnitude star known as Tseen Foo (theta Aquilae). These meteors are best seen near during the last dark hour of the night when the radiant lies highest in a dark sky. Hourly rates are expected to be less than 1. With an entry velocity of 33 kilometers per second, a majority of these meteors will appear to move with medium-slow velocities.

The phi Piscids (PPS) are another discovery by Dr. Peter Brown and associates using data from the Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar (CMOR) installation. These meteors are active from June 8-August 02 with maximum activity occurring on July 5th. The radiant position currently lies at 00:08 (002) +18. This area of the sky lies in southeastern Pegasus, 2 degrees north of the 3rd magnitude star known as Algenib (gamma Pegasi). These meteors are best seen near during the last dark hour of the night when the radiant lies highest in a dark sky. Hourly rates are expected to be less than 1. With an entry velocity of 67 kilometers per second, a majority of these meteors will appear to move with swift velocities.

The last of the Daytime Arietids (ARI) will be seen this week. These meteors are active from May 22 through June 24 with a peak on June 7. The radiant is currently located at 03:32 (053) +26. This area of the sky is located on the Aries/Taurus border, 4 degrees northwest of the naked eye open cluster known as the Pleiades. The best time to view this activity is during the hour before the start of morning twilight, when the radiant lies highest in a dark sky. With the radiant low in the east it would be best to face halfway up in the sky in a northeast direction. With an entry velocity of 42 kilometers per second, these meteors will appear to move at a medium velocity.

As seen from the mid-northern hemisphere (45N) one would expect to see approximately 7 sporadic meteors per hour during the last hour before dawn as seen from rural observing sites. Evening rates would be near 2 per hour. As seen from the tropical southern latitudes (25S), morning rates would be near 9 per hour as seen from rural observing sites and 3 per hour during the evening hours. Locations between these two extremes would see activity between the listed figures. Evening rates during this period are reduced due to moonlight.

The list below offers the information from above in tabular form. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning except where noted in the shower descriptions.

Tags: beta Equulids Daytime Arietids June Meteor Activity June Meteor Showers Meteors Northern June Aquilids Phi Piscids South June Aquilids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Meteor Activity Outlook for June 16-22, 2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
During this period the moon will reach it's first quarter phase on Wednesday June 20th. At that time the moon will be located 90 degrees east of the sun and will set near 0100 local daylight saving time (LDT). This will cause interference with evening meteor viewing but the more active morning hours will be free of moonlight.