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.
