Geminidy 2003

This meteor swarm is one of the most interesting swarms from the amateur radio point of view. Swarm activity is lower compared to stronger swarms, but the activity of the stations is even higher. Expeditions and World Championship races contribute to this. What should we prepare for??
The swarm will be active from December 5 to 17, with the expected maximum on Sunday evening, December 14. However, this is not suitable for Central Europe and therefore we will have to settle for the morning and night of Monday, December 15, when will be the number of reflections per hour 40 to 50. At the maximum, the number of reflections ranges above 100. The swarm consists of many small parts. However, in the width of the maximum, the forecasts differ greatly, from a few to tens of hours.

The best times for connections in NE axes – which will be indistinct on their own: 4 to 6 a 21 to 23 UTC, V – WITH: They are not, SZ – which will be indistinct on their own: 2 to 5 a 19 to 21 UTC, S – J: 19 to 22 a 2 to 7 UTC.

There are two races during the swarm: BCC MS Contest and the Meteor Scatter Memorial Contest in honor of István HA6OQ. From the expeditions, it is possible to mention RK1B/1 from KO46 and 9A1CAL/p, which will be QRV from the island of Korčula, JN82IW.

 

If cloudy skies don't mind, it will be possible to observe the Geminids with the naked eye. The moon will rise above the horizon on December 13 around 9 p.m, just as the swarm becomes active and will keep watchers company for the rest of the night.

Lots of nice QSOs!

Literature:
[1] http://skytour.homestead.com/met2003.html
[2] http://comets.amsmeteors.org/meteors/showers/geminids.html
[3] The MeteorScatter Predictor DL5BAC
[4] Meteor scatter connection by reflection from meteor trails, Zoltán Gyetvay OM7AQ, Collection of lectures from the meeting of radio amateurs Vysoké Tatry November 20-22 1998, str.62