Celestial show makes a mark

PUNE, NOV 18: There were no promises this time. Scientists preferred to play it safe by underplaying the possibility of a spectacular sho...

PUNE, NOV 18: There were no promises this time. Scientists preferred to play it safe by underplaying the possibility of a spectacular show this time. But they had a treat in store for them.

Three teams of the Association of Indian Meteor Observors who are gathering data on the Leonid showers observed at least 150 meteors in the span of four hours on Thursday morning.

According to Dr Arvind Paranjapye, Science and Technology officer of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics IUCAA who is in Sajjan Gadh, the meteors were 8220;eminently watchable.8221; What was satisfying this time is that the activity occurred as per the predictions of scientists this time. The teams observed 18 meteors between 2 am and 3 am. The pace increased around 4 am when there were a meteor per minute. This intensity decreased to two meteors per minute and by 5 am this decreased three to four meteors per minute.

Dr Nilima Thatte said that in contrast to the celestial fireworks last year, they were not as spectacular this time. However, a majority of the Ulkas had gas tails and some of them were blue in colour leaving trails behind.

Around 50 members of the Jyotirvidya Parisanstha, Pune who are in Mulshi to collect data on the meteors termed this as a very satisfying experience. The members observed a brilliant light around 2 am with small charged particles flashing across the sky for ten to fifteen seconds. A greenish fluorescent green smoke pervaded the atmosphere after which meteors began hitting the earth.

Dr Arvind Paranjapye said the team has already sent its preliminary report to the International Meteor Organisation IMO. Some of the observers including Dr Paranjapye have remained behind to gather more data. Dr Paranjapye was not sure of the celestial activity had already peaked and said that he would closely watch if there was any residual activity for the remaining part of the night.

The other two teams of IUCAA have recorded similar observations. Aniruddha Despande of Jyotirvidya Parisanstha said that the report of their findings will be sent to the IMO.