Meteor Observing Program

Meteor Observing Program Coordinator:

Scott Kranz
106 N Darrowby Drive
Raymore, MO 64083-9181
(816) 522-8921
E-mail: s.kranz1@comcast.net

Introduction

Meteor observing is both fun and scientifically useful. It does not require expensive equipment, only your two eyes. Becoming a member of the Meteor Observing Program only requires that you are willing to allocate some of your time to looking for nature’s fireworks. In addition, your observations can contribute to research on meteors and meteor streams by the Assocation of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.).

To share your data with the A.L.P.O., mail the report forms in a timely manner to the A.L.P.O. Meteors Section, 1828 Cobblecreek Street, Chula Vista, CA 91913, within 30 days of observation. Your report will then be added with other observers across North America and published in A.L.P.O.’s quarterly journal The Strolling Astronomer. The Section Recorder will archive a copy and send a copy to Europe for analysis by the International Meteor Organization.

Another organization interested in meteors and meteor observing is the American Meteor Society. You can get more information on them by clicking here.

More Information on Meteor Observing:

What are meteors and why do they glow?
Observing Meteors Techniques?
Printable Blank Meteor Observing Form in Excel Format, PDF Format
The American Meteor Society’s list of major meteor showers.

Requirements and Rules

This certification is available to members of the Astronomical League, either through their local astronomical society or as members at large. If you are not a member and would like to become one, check with your local astronomical society, search for a local society on the Astronomical League Website, or join as a Member-At-Large in the Al Store .

The Astronomical League offers special recognition in the form of a Meteor Observing Program certificate and pin (36 hours only) for those that have dedicated a substantial amount of time to observing meteors in an organized way. To obtain an award you must follow these rules:

Rule 1:

Observe meteors for at least 6 hours. You must observe at least one hour each session. Your notes must show all the information on the meteor observing form:

Date and Time of start and end of observation (local time or UT)
Location of observation (Place Name, Latitude, Longitude, and Elevation)
Percent cloudy at each hour during the observing period
Direction faced and altitude observed and time of any changes
Sky conditions at each hour during the observing period (Seeing and Transparency)
Beginning and ending time of any breaks
Comments on the observations
Time, magnitude, shower membership, color, speed, train (if any), and comments for each meteor observed

Rule 2:

Include your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, society affiliation, and to whom the certification should be sent.

Send a COPY of your observations to the Meteor Observing Program Coordinator.

Submitting for Certification

Be sure you keep a copy of all your observations, as there is always the possibility that they could be lost in the mail.

Rule 3:

When you have observed for 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 hours, send in your additional observations to the Meteor Observing Program Coordinator, indicating that you have completed the observations for an additional six-hour certificate. When you have reached 36 hours, you will receive an Honorary membership certificate and pin. Be sure to indicate the return address. After 36 hours, it is no longer necessary to send your observations to the Astronomical League, but be sure to continue sending them to A.L.P.O.

Enjoy your observing!