Aurigid Shower

The Aurigid meteor shower, a typically ignored celestial event, may provide a worthy viewing experience this year (especially for people on the west coast of the US).

The Aurigids have had three noted, though unexpected, outbursts (1935, 1986, 1994).

Peter Jenniskens announced at the 26th General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union that the Aurigids were likely to produce another such outburst on September 1, 2007.

The date is based on calulations made by Jenniskens and Jeremie Vaubaillon (and based on earlier work with Finnish astronomer Esko Lyytinen) and predicts the time when a trail of dust from the Comet Kiess would next intersect with the Earth's path.

The expected time (4.27 am, PDT) is perfect for west coast viewers, though the Moon is waning gibbous and will hinder viewing. Four days past Full Moon and high in the sky, with 76% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated. Prime viewing is at high altitude locations, where scattered moonlight does not brighten the night sky and with a view towards the East and NorthEast.