DEC 13/14 - EARLY MORNING GEMINIDS

[paulastro]

I was ready for bed at 1am in pajamas and dressing gown, looked through the window on the way upstairs and saw a low gibbous Moon glowing through the trees - an unforecast and unexpected clear patch.  No time to change, so threw a jacket over my dressing gown, grabbed my wooley hat and mittens and rushed outside.

Despite the Moon, the sky was very transparent  away from the low Moon.  Observed from 1.10am to 2.00am and saw 11 Gemenids, two together early on at mags -2 and -3, one of them quite blue. heading through Orion.  All but a couple were brighter than 2nd mag.   Cloud stopped the party ar 2.00am.

A wonderful unexpected treat.  Seeing 11 meteors in under an hour in, less than ideal conditions, would indicate a good hourly rate.

 

 

Edited December 14, 2021 by paulastro

[kev]

i woke middle of the night boiled the kettle for a cuppa and saw 1 every 40 secs or so. was quite spectacular.