A number of years ago a few of us trekked to the Rush Valley site to observe the Geminids. The night was bitter cold, probably around 10 degrees. However, we were rewarded with absolutely clear skies, no wind and a great show. I made two one-hour counts centered around the predicted peak ZHR. I counted 110 Geminids in each hour. Fully half were 1st magnitude or brighter. With the exception of the Leonid shower we observed from Pipe Springs National Monument, with ZHR in the thousands, that Geminid display was the best I've observed. In the years since that experience, there has not been one favorable combination of weather and Moon phase to allow observing the Geminids under similarly favorable conditions. Tonight might be an exception. I've had a nasty cold, but if the skies are clear and I feel well enough, I plan to drive to Rush Valley tonight. I'm hoping for a repeat. Kim Hyatt Architect 1849 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 801.631.5228 kimharch@msn.com<mailto:kimharch@msn.com> serius est quam cogitas ----- Original Message ----- From: Joe Bauman<mailto:bau@desnews.com> To: Utah Astronomy<mailto:utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, December 13, 2004 10:35 AM Subject: Re: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Geminid meteor shower Thanks to Deb and Joe re. times for the peak. I might have to try for a few pics. Best wishes, Joe _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com<mailto:Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy<http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy> Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com<http://www.utahastronomy.com/>

Sorry, Joe - been away all afternoon, so I hope it isn't too late for you to see this. Observing toward the radiant one generally sees meteors of short duration and short trains. I prefer to observe toward the south, and from Rush Valley that's perfect for the Geminids - away from the light pollution in the north and east. By midnight, Gemini is high enough to be mostly out of the Utah Valley light pollution, anyway. I believe your chances of seeing a shower member are equal regardless of the direction you observe, all other things being equal. So, I choose to find a spot with dark skies and good horizons toward the south and west. Kim Hyatt Architect 1849 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 801.631.5228 kimharch@msn.com<mailto:kimharch@msn.com> serius est quam cogitas ----- Original Message ----- From: Joe Bauman<mailto:bau@desnews.com> To: Utah Astronomy<mailto:utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, December 13, 2004 1:28 PM Subject: Re: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Geminid meteor shower Hi Kim, How was Rush Valley concerning the direction of the shower? That is, they don't come in over the city, I assume? Thanks, Joe _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com<mailto:Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy<http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy> Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com<http://www.utahastronomy.com/>