I recieved an email from a friend of mine today
who is sort of an amatuer astronomer.
Here's what he had to say on the subject.
In about 7 days we�ll enter a potential
edge of the C/2002 V1 debris field cast off
by the comet�s interaction with the sun
just prior to perihelion. At that time, the
debris issuing from the comet would
have been blown back across our
transitional plane diametrically away from
the solar disc. The projected centre of the
lagging field, comprised of heavier
particles not so prone to the whim of the
solar winds, should confront us at about
May 7, 2003.
I expect that there should be some fairly
significant meteor activity in the skies at
some point within �2 weeks of the mean
date stated above.
If nothing happens, I have to admit that I�ll
be disappointed. But, if too much
happens, I�ll be alarmed. Let�s just put it
this way: I don�t think I�ll be disappointed,
so I�m hoping for nothing more than a
great light show.
Happy viewing,
Hippiedog
Here's a link to the nasa article on the interaction
of the comet with the sun.
sci.esa.int...
Also, this just in:
METEOR SHOWER: Earth has entered a stream of dusty debris shed by
periodic
comet Thatcher, which means the annual Lyrid meteor shower is underway.
The Lyrids are not intense. Sky watchers in the northern hemisphere
can
expect to see about 15 meteors per hour on April 22nd and 23rd when the
shower peaks. The best time to watch will be during the hours before
local
dawn. Wednesday morning, April 23rd, may be best because on that day
you
can see not only some meteors, but also the Moon and Mars hanging low
and
close together in the southeastern sky.
spaceweather.com...
Here's a cool slide show of the meteorites that hit
chicago!!
abclocal.go.com...
Here's one for you collectors!
www.meteoritebroker.com...
I don't know if this is related but.
Freak Weather Wrecks Havoc In China!!
www.terradaily.com...
CHET