The Alpha Centaurid meteor shower is considered to be a “minor” meteor shower. The reason is, on average, only 3 to 5 meteors per hour are normally observed during this shower. This particular shower is also considered to be for more advanced meteor observers, but it can still be well worth observing even for those still at the beginners level. While the Alpha Centaurids may not be as productive at producing meteors as the January Quadrantid Meteor Shower, there’s always the possibility for an outburst of meteors from any meteor shower.
A Minor Meteor Shower – 2011 January / February Alpha Centaurids
The January Alpha Centaurid meteors commonly make their appearances during the nights of January 22 through February 21. While more favorable for viewing by southern hemisphere observers, these meteors are known to produce fast meteors and the occasional fireball (a bright meteor).
The Alpha Centaurids are considered to be a Minor Meteor Shower due to the fact that only a few meteors are commonly observed during this shower. Appearing to originate from the constellation Centaurus, a southern hemisphere constellation, the Alpha Centaurids are considered to have been born from an unknown or extinct comet. As the Earth passes near or through the trail of the comet, the debris from the comet "burn up" in Earth's atmospshere as meteors.
Viewing the 2011 Alpha Centaurids Meteor Shower
The peak of the Alpha Centaurids meteor shower (when the shower is more productive) should be on the nights of February 7th and 8th. To view these meteors, simply find a nice, comfortable spot outside under clear, dark sky conditions, and monitor the area around the constellation Centaurus.
Sporadic meteors will likely be making their appearance as well, so monitor the entire sky for both sporadic and Alpha Centaurids - especially during early morning hours.
Remember to stay comfortably warm while you are monitoring these meteors. Drink plenty of hot cocoa and coffee, or other warm beverages. Wear the proper clothing and if children are out watching the shower make sure they are bundled up as well.
Since this meteor shower is more observable during the early morning hours, and the moon will only be near first quarter, it should not interfere with observing them this year.
Other Night Sky Objects to View
Just in case you have prepared to view the Alpha Centaurids and they are not producing, there are a number of other astronomical related observations you can perform while you are out. With a small telescope or binocular, you can view many Messier Objects, brighter planets, star clusters, and some of the brighter galaxies. The sky really is the limit in this case, so grab your “sky almanac” and enjoy!
A Child’s Introduction to Observing Meteors and Falling Stars
References:
NASA, Leonid Meteor Storms, site referenced 1/9/2011
Steve Farmer - Steve Farmer Jr. is an individual of many interests and hobbies. When not spending time with his wife and four children, he is an employee ...
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