ZHR stands for Zenithal hourly rate. And is a calculation of how many meteors an observer may view per hour
However, this number will be reduced by things, such a clouds and light pollution
Realm of Darkness
Published: 26th November 2021
With the coming of December
It's time to hang out the decorations, and put up the lights. Oh!
So we'll have people leaving their outside Christmas lights on all night, adding to the night time, light pollution
Remember, it's the season to be jolly. And maybe if you've been good this year. You may get a new telescope or camera from Father Christmas
And even if you have been naughty this year. December has some exciting astronomical events
4th December
Tonight is the occurrence of the New Moon. So it may be a good opportunity to do some star watching or astrophotography. With the lack of moonlight, and it occuring on a weekend
13th December
The Geminid meteor shower reaches it peak tonight, and has a high
By about 7:00PM UK on the 13th of December, Gemini should be high enough above the hoizon, and thus be able to view some shooting stars. The Geminid meteor shower, should be visable from about the 3rd to the 17th of December
And if you are prepared to wake early, say about 2:00AM. Then Gemini will be higher in the sky, and if you live in an area, where the streetlights are off. Then you'll increase the likelyhood of viewing some shooting stars
Our enemy the Moon is a few days away from reaching its peak, and sets about 3:00AM. But even if you look in the evening, it shouldn't prevent you viewing
19th December
The Full Moon occurs just before the most sacred time of the year, for astronomers and astrophotographers
However, it may be a good opportunity to view and photograph the Moon
The Moon begins to rise around the same time, as sunset. Though you may want to wait until about 5:00 PM to ensure it reaches a reasonable height
Or do the sensible thing and get up in the early hour
21st December
The Winter Equinox occurs, meaning the longest night for us in the north of the planet. Hallowed be the High Lord of Darkness. Hallowed be the Lords and Ladies of Darkness
Sunrise occurs about eight o'clock, however with the Full Moon having occurred a few days before. And it being above the horizon, it does limit the early morning star watching and astrophotography, without the dreaded moonlight
Sunset occurs at around four in the afternoon/evening and with the Moon not above the horizon, before about 5:30PM. There may be an opportunity to photograph the sky, without the Moon attempting to outshine everything else
22nd December
The James Webb Telescope launch was recently put back from the 18th to at least the 22nd
If everything goes to plan. Then the James Webb Space Telescope is due to launch today
The JWST is a colaborration between CSA, ESA and NASA
Once in orbit it will proceed to the Lagrange 2, which will take about a month
It will the proceed to unfurl its self, perform checks and set itself up. Which will take several months
It will then collect light in the near and far infrared range
Eventually leading to images from from as far back as 100 million years after the big bang
24th / 25th December
With Father Christmas getting reading to deliver Christmas presents, then night skies are clear of events
If you are thinking of trying to spot Father Christmas, remember it can be difficult to spot his reindeer and slay, when flying through the night sky. It's incredably fast
And for everyone celebrating Christmas, we wish you a fantastic day. And for those who aren't, we wish you a fantastic day
31st December
With the New Year, the launching of fireworks and with people up til the early hours. It isn't necessarly the best night for astronomy and astrophotography
So maybe celebrate the New Year, or else go to bed early and catch some sleep. The New Year will bring some fantastic events
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Written by: Ben Patmore
Ben Patmore is an amateur astrophotographer