The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its Astronomical Diary for January 2011, cites astronomical phenomena, like meteor shower, partial solar eclipse and the planets' night glow in the sky intended for skywatchers.
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr., PAGASA Officer-in-Charge issued the chronology of events among the heavenly bodies as prepared by the Space Sciences and Astronomy Section (SSAS), headed by its OIC, Engr. Dario L. Dela Cruz.
For meteor shower, the annual Quadrantid meteor shower will be active from January 1 to January 7. The observation of its peak activity on January 3-4 in which meteors or “falling stars†can be seen at the rate of at least 40 meteors per hour. The shower will appear to radiate from the constellation of Bootes.
The Quadrantid meteor shower hits the Earth’s atmosphere at the rate of about 40 kilometers per second. The incinerated dust are said to be particles apparently derived from the debris ejected by the near-Earth asteroid 2003 EH.
In another phenomenon, a partial eclipse of the Sun will occur on January 4, 2011. However, it will not be visible in the Philippines. The eclipse will begin at exactly 2:40 p.m. (Philippine Standard Time). The partial eclipse ends when the penumbra leaves Earth at 7:00 PM (PST). It will be visible from much of Europe, North Africa and central Asia.
The planets glow at night and at dawn. On January 2 at around 5:30 AM, Mercury, Venus and Saturn will be found 8, 34 and 68 degrees above the eastern horizon, and will be glowing at magnitudes -0.1, -4.4 & +1.8, respectively. Venus and Saturn will remain visible in the morning sky, while Mercury ceases to view on the last week of the month.
Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune will be visible for observation at the night sky throughout the month. Jupiter will be easily located through its brightness as the sky darkens, while Uranus and Neptune will need a star map and a binocular or a modest-sized telescope for proper viewing.
Mars, the Red Planet, will be difficult to observe due to its proximity to the Sun during the month. (PNA)
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Topic: Astronomy Events for 2011 (Read 648 times)