| iv) What equipment do we need for observing? This is an open question, and depends to a large degree on the type of
observing you wish to do.
A basic checklist for casual sky watchers would include the following:
- campcot or reclining lawnchair
- foam mat to put on chair
- sleeping bag to put on mat
- a spare blanket
- a pillow (yes, use a pillow, it
helps keep you comfortable!)
- waterproof tarp to put over sleeping
bag to keep off dew and frost
- star charts, printable from our NAMN
site at: http://www.namnmeteors.org/charts.html
- a red flashlight to read
your charts
- paper, pencils and clipboard to
record any notes you take
- some hand warmers, either the
lightable stick kind (take matches or lighter), or the disposable pouch kind
- thermos of coffee, and a snack (but
be cautious if animals around)
- warm coat, hat, mittens, scarf to
keep nose and neck warm
- if down south - appropriate attire
and insect repellant
- small pair of binoculars to watch
meteor trains with
- last, but very important - a dark
colored umbrella to help block the full moon from your view! (an appropriately
placed mountain or tree would suffice as well)
If you are actually going to record the meteors you see, then add the
following: - (preferably) a pocket tape recorder, with spare tapes and batteries
- extra batteries (they die easily in
the cold)
- recording sheets for your meteors,
printable from: http://www.namnmeteors.org/namn_form.html
- extra paper in case of a recording
emergency!
- star charts showing limiting
magnitude areas, printable from: http://www.imo.net/visual/major01.html#table2
- a watch or clock set to accurate
time (a talking watch or clock is preferable so that you do not need to take
your eyes off the sky to check the time)
- extra warm clothes - extra layers,
extra mittens
- a couple more blankets (no kidding!)
If you want to photograph some Leonids, then add:
- a camera that has a time exposure
setting (a simple digital camera or instacam won't work for this)
- a normal lens, or a wide angle lens
(fast f/ratio preferable)
- cable release - fast film - either
print or slide, either color or black and white
- extra film - tripod - lens hood
- heat source to keep lens dry
(disposable hand warmer pouch can be used with elastic)
- if not a manual camera, lots of
extra batteries for the cold
If you want to try videotaping some Leonids, add: - video camera - extra
video tapes - extra battery packs - and still more battery packs!
If you are traveling to see the Leonids, do and pack the following:
- put your snow tires on before the trip
- add weight to your trunk if rear
wheel drive
- get a tuneup for your car -
identification if crossing borders
- customs slips for all your cameras,
lens, tripods, etc.
- a safety flashlight with fresh
batteries
- jumper cables - a fire extinguisher
- emergency blankets and full first
aid kit
- spare oil, antifreeze, and premixed
radiator fluid
- a shovel and a bag of sand or kitty
litter (it's winter!)
- cell phone if possible - phone
numbers of all your contacts!!
- road maps of the provinces/states
you will visit
Links to Leonids Web Sites
Leonid
Peak Online Estimator: If you want to find out the estimated peak times for where you live, go to this site, and check out your location. At the bottom of the screen is a flux calculator. Pick the city closest to you and launch the calculator. It should give you a pretty good idea what the times will be for your area.
|
