All Sky Cameras observe the night skies for meteors (shooting stars) and their larger cousins, fireballs. Fireballs are of specific interest because they sometimes result in the fall of meteorites. By tracking these fireballs against the backdrop of stars captured by the cameras, we can accurately determine their trajectories in three dimensions, and thus where meteorites may have fallen.
We will feature photos of meteor events, and videos of meteor events and a discussion forum.
We now have a LIVE STREAMING VIDEO FEED of our all sky camera.
So check back often, because the best is yet to come!
Jim sitting at the controls of the El Paso All Sky Camera Meteor Detection Network
For the latest on WORLDWIDE meteor/ite events click on the moon below.
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Exciting New Content!
We have added a monthly meteor activity forecast written by Robert Lunsford. Mr. Lunsford has been deeply involved in meteor astronomy for over 40 years. His first observation was of the 1966 Leonids. He joined the American Meteor Society in 1980 and now is their Operations Manager. He also coordinates the Meteors Section (since 1989) for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers. He is a Founding Member of the International Meteor Organization (1988) and currently serves as the Secretary-General of the IMO. His latest book was published in 2009. Current projects include nightly video observations, writing monthly meteor activity outlooks, and maintenance of the AMS website.
Meteors and How to Observe Them
In his book, Robert Lunsford explains what meteors are, where they come from, and what happens to them as they whiz through space and enter our atmosphere. He tells how to observe meteors and meteor showers, what equipment to use, what you should look for, where you should look, and much more. Armed with the information in this book and with very little effort and equipment, you can begin your regular search of the heavens right now and join the ranks of those who have made this rewarding pastime a lifetime hobby.
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Published in the May 2004 issue of Astronomy Magazine, this excellent article by Jim Gamble describes the Sandia All Sky Camera Meteor Detection Network and how it all began ! This is a great read for Sandia Allsky Camera operators and novice through advanced meteor observers alike. Enjoy!
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We have already have had many visitors to our new web site since it was first launched. Please feel free to leave a comment, words of encouragement, words of wisdom, or ask questions.
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Comments
You & Mr. Dorman came to the Branding Rock Ranch in Hudspeth Co., back in 2005/2006. You were looking for evidence of a meteor that streaked over our property and scared the daylights out of my Hubby & I as we were puttering around in our garage. I was just wondering, were you able to find what you were looking for? I hope you even remember us - Harold & Judy Gilbert.
Absolutely I remember you. Your's was the best interview we conducted for the May 4th, 2006 event. Have not yet recovered anything but am working on bringing the search back to life. Will keep you posted. Thanks for leaving me a comment and I hope you enjoy the site. It's still WIP and I'll be adding content over time so visit often.
Jim
Thanks for your report. I believe what you saw was the ever clicheique "weather balloon" event. Twice a day, in the a.m. at around 12Z and in the p.m. at around 00Z, National Weather Service stations around the country launch radiosondes (weather balloons) to measure the state of the atmosphere from the surface to over 100K feet. What you likely observed was one of these balloons, launched from a station west of us, as it reached it's max altitude and burst. On the surface, these balloons measure roughly 1 meter across but as they rise, they expand to about 10 times the surface size then explode (depending on atmospheric pressures) at certain altitudes sending debris in various directions. You likely observed debris from one of these. This is quite an accute observation on your part. Thanks for your report!, and keep looking skyward.
Jim