670226Meteor3_p2

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Meteor Section, Bulletin No.3                                                        -2-



A typical observing station night consist of:

    (a)  a Recorder' s Position in the centre, eauipped with table, chair, clock with
         second hand, radio for receiving time signals, record sheets, flashlight
         covered with red plastic, spare batteries, and a supply of pencils.

    (b)  a total of eight Observers' Positions surrounding the Recorder's Position
         and facing away from it. Reclining chairs can be used. If the observers
         intend to plot meteors, they should be equipped with charts mounted on
         boards, plus pencils and red plastic-covered flashlights.

It is desirable to have more people than positions, permitting a relief system whereby
each person spends no more than an hour in an observing position, and is off duty for
half an hour before his next shift.

When a meteor is observed, the individual (or individuals) shouts "Time". The recorder
notes the clock time of the meteor arrival opposite the consecutive number on his record
sheet, announces this rnmiber to the observers and asks for details (shower or non-shower,
magnitude, location, and any peculiarities such as colour and persistent train). If the
observer is platting the meteor, its number should be noted beside its plotted track and
the direction of travel indicated by an arrow head. Make a note in the margin of the
chart of this number, together with an estimate of the visual magnitude of the meteor.

Even during mid-summer, it gets cold in the early morning hours, especially in the
country, so dress warmly and keep a supply of blankets available.

The above brief outline of setting up a visual observing station is by no means adequate
information. The experience of a few nights will teach you more than all that has been
written - lots of luck!

                                                    Stan Mott, National Co-ordinator,
                                                    Meteor Section,
                                          Standing Committee on Observational Activities,
                                                    2049 Honeywell Avenue,
28 February, 1967.                                  Ottawa 13, Ontario.