HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wish everybody has a wonderful 2008. At least, there are few great astronomical events waiting for us. At least, January is favoured with 3 fantastic events.
First, it’s the Quandrantid meteor shower. The radiant is near to the Draco’s head. In a simpler way, the radiant is at the NE. For us in Malaysia, it’s close to the horizon before dawn. Its ZHR is 100 and peaks at 3pm on 4 January 2008. The wanning crescent, 25 days old moon will not interfere this shower. Even though its great ZHR and no moonlight interference, we still can’t get a very good view because of the extremely low radiant.
Comet 8P/Tuttle Close Encountered with M33
Secondly, it’s the Comet 8P/Tuttle which is closest to us during 1-2 January 2008 at 38.4 million km. It was having its very close encounter with the Triangulum Galaxy - M33 on 30 Dec 07 to 1 Jan 08, a great new year photo opportunity. Its green colour atmosphere is comprised of Cyanogen (CN) and diatomic carbon (C2). When they’re exposed to the UV sunlight, they show emerald-green glow.
Thirdly, this may be the most interesting event throughout the 2008. The asteroid codenamed 2007 WD5 will HIT the Mars. The odd of the collision is 4% at the moment. I hope planetary scientist can refine its orbit data and possibly the odd will be increased. We are able to get a fine model of the impact of an asteroid to a rocky planet. Hopefully, if Earth is the victim many years later, we’re able to defend it.
Quandrantid meteor shower..in penang and kl..where to see?see towards where?what time?thanxxx………
Look to the north before dawn. Since the radiant is so near to horizon and even hidden, we will not catch many meteors.