Scope Diagram Astrocamera.Net - Astrophotography by Dave Kodama

Meteors


Catching a meteor on film is an interesting and challenging specialty of astrophotography. Although at a dark location we may see several meteors flash by even when a meteor shower is not in progress, most of these are so dim that they are a challenge to record. Even when a shower occurs, a rate of one a minute is considered a healthy shower. Meteor storms (up to several meteors per second) are once-in-a-lifetime viewing events, especially if they are not predicted ahead of time.

Adding to the photographic challenge is the fact that most ordinary camera lenses cover a relatively small part of the sky. Special wide angle lenses can cover more of the sky, but typically they reduce the sensitivity of the camera system and/or cost much more than normal lenses. Throw in a bright moon and things really get difficult. Nevertheless, one can still be lucky!


 
 
Leonid Fireball
17 Nov. 2015
Perseid Meteor Shower
12-13 Aug. 2015
Camelopardalid Meteor Shower
Camelopardalid Meteor Shower
23 May. 2014
 
Perseid Meteor Shower
Perseid Meteor Shower
11 Aug. 2013
 
Perseid Meteor Shower
Perseid Meteor Shower & Bonus Lightning Show
11-12 Aug. 2012
 

Perseid Meteor Shower
12-14 Aug.2010

Geminid Meteor Shower
13-14 Dec. 2010
 

Leonid Meteor Shower
17 Nov. 2009

Orionid Meteor
10/21/2006

Geminid Meteor Shower
12/13/2006
 

Delta Aquarid Meteor
10 Aug. 2002

Bolide over Namibia
13 June 2004

Perseid Meteor Shower
11 August 2005
 

 

Leonid Meteor Shower


This meteor shower deserves special mention as it has historically put on a good show every 33 years or so. As in the case of many regular meteor showers, it is associated with a short period comet. Each year the earth passes near the orbit of the comet and its debris, but in addition, about every 33 years, the comet main body and denser debris cloud is in our vicinity, making an exceptional meteor shower a possibility. This was the case for the 1998-2002 period.

1998 Leonid Meteor Shower
 

2001 Leonid Meteor Shower

 

 
2002 Leonids
Under the Full Moon