Leonids '99 from Jordan
RESULTS

An overview is given of the Jordanian Astronomical Society (JAS) Leonids '99 observations. Since Jordan was well-placed to witness the expected storm, JAS has invited several well-known scientists, and expert amateurs to share JAS the observation. Before traveling to the desert to observe the meteors JAS held a conference to discuss the meteors in general, and the Leonids specifically. The conference lasted for two days, and then it was followed by the observing camping in the Jordanian deserts ! Which was the 32nd astronomical camping for JAS, and it was also named: The First International Astronomical Camping.

The camping was held between 16-19 November, in a site close to Al-Azraq Oasis which is located 150 Km east of Amman, the capital of Jordan. The Coordinates of the observing site are :- 37:06:45 E , 31:42:58 N , h=555 m, Time Zone = UT+2 .

Participants went to Al-Azraq Desert to observe meteors. Very few Leonid meteors appeared visually in that night, as expected. About 20-30 Leonid meteors appeared all night long. However, by radio observation, much more meteors were detected (including Leonids and sporadics).

Radio Results:-

• Observers: Moh'd Odeh, Ahmad Al-Niamat, Khalid Tell.
• Location: Al-Azraq desert, Jordan (37 07' E, 31 43' N)
• Antenna: Yagi FM 3 elements.
• Receiver: Commercial FM radio (Eroica)
• Observing Method: Listening by ear
• Frequency: 97.2 MHz, 95.6 MHz.
• Transmitter Location (97.2 MHz): Five Stations:-
  1. Turkey, 750 Km at 30 KW Power.
  2. Turkey, 900 Km at 30 KW Power.
  3. Turkey, 1106 Km at 30 KW Power.
  4. Turkey, 811 Km at 05 KW Power.
  5. Cyprus, 600 Km at 10 KW Power.

Comments from the Participants

Kindly find below some comments from the participants, which were taken after the first night observation.

• Prof. Jack Baggaley (IAU, President of the IAU Commission 22 / Meteors & Interplanetary Dust, New Zealand): It is just amazing, it is nice to have all science people together. The campaign was very well organized, the conference, the camp, and the trips. It is very good to meet scientists from the Arab countries, such as Iraq, Syria, and UAE. Every body has benefited from the campaign, and it has a lot of unseen long term benefits.

• Mr. Robert McNaught (Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Australian National University, Australia): I'm very happy that last night is consistent with the prediction made with David Asher. I didn't expect luxury, the camp is fine, and I'm quit happy with it, and I've enjoyed the conference.

• Dr. David Asher (Armagh Observatory, Ireland): I expect to have the activity to rise to ZHR peak at 02:07 UT in Jordan. The uncertainty based on the last 200 years is less than 5 minutes. Best success of ZHR is around 500, but ZHR of 2000 is consistent with old showers. This activity is due to the encounter of Earth with the dust trail, generated from the comet in 1899. JAS looked after us very well, the whole idea of the conference, and three-day camp is an excellent idea.

• Mr. Daniel Fischer (Public Observatory of Bonn, Germany): The whole operation is perfect especially the combination of the conference and the camp. Since 16-17 night was up to expectations "which is no resonant meteors". So this night 17-18 would be up to the expectations too.

• Dr. Georg Dittie (Public Observatory of Bonn, Germany): Last night 16-17 nothing unexpected happened. The night was very very valuable to be familiar with the weather and sky conditions. I was very happy about the observation site, since it combined comfort and support to the observer.

• The Dutch Meteor Members (Mr. René Esser, Mr. Urijan Poerink, and Dr. Paul Koenraad (Netherlands Association for Meteorology and Astronomy, Netherlands)): Up to now nothing was missed; the trip to Petra, the reception of Municipality, and the visit of Prince Faisal giving us the plates. The past night 16-17 was mainly Taurids and not Leonids which was expected. We think that this night 17-18 Leonids will fall down, and we hope to take good pictures.

• Mr. Alireza Mehrani & Mr. Jamshid Arshadi (Adib Teaching Center of Astronomy, Iran): We saw a lot of new ideas which we will bring them back to Iran to start new projects such as the radio meteor station. We are very pleased to be with the scientists at Jordan. It seems that choosing Jordan as a center in Asia for the Leonids was a very good choice. In Iran we say: When every thing is available "the candles, the flower, and the butterflies"; where the candles are the falling Leonids, the butterflies are the group of scientists flying around the flower, which is JAS !

During the night the number of meteors kept increasing by both; radio and visual observations. After a very quick discussion with the scientists who were observing from Jordan with JAS. We concluded that Jordan was one of the best locations to observe the Leonids '99 from ! Where the preliminarily results show that the peak occurred around 02 AM (04 AM), which is about 40 minutes before the beginning of dawn (so the radiant was high at the peak). Also, the dawn didn't affect the observation because the activity decreased before the beginning of dawn ! Most meteors were faint. However, before dawn brighter meteors appeared. Most the participants estimated the maximum ZHR (based on the preliminarily results) to be some how between 7000 - 10 000 !!

Total observed number of Leonid meteors was:

• Sana'a Abdo (JAS): 2100 meteors, during 4.0 hours effective time.
• Khalid Tell (JAS): 2375 meteors, during 3.6 hours effective time.
• Moh'd Odeh (JAS): 2965 meteors, during 3.3 hours effective time.
• Ahmad Baker (SCS): 3162 meteors, during about 3.6 hours effective time.

ZHR, time of maximum, and rates.

• Mr. Robert McNaught, based on one-minute interval, estimated the ZHR to be 7000 +/- 1000, and it occurred from Jordan at 02:04 +/- 2 minutes (UT). At maximum, McNaught observed 60 meteors per minute.

• Several observers agreed that during the maximum, about 7 meteors appeared simultaneously at once !!

• It was very hard to keep following and counting the unexpected large number of meteors during the maximum, and so many observers stopped recording, and just enjoyed the show !!

• Odeh observed 770 meteors from 02:00 - 02:14 UT ! The maximum number of meteors based on Odeh observation was at 02:00 - 02:01, where 91 meteors were observed within this minute ! Which corresponds to 5460 meteors per hour, or 8163 ZHR ! (Where r = 2.0 , and the radiant's elevation was 62 degrees).

• Overdense meteors were so frequently heard by radio observation, before the time of the storm. Which was unfortunately stopped during the storm, because of a failure in the generator.

* Remarks:-

• #: Number of meteors.

• HR: Hourly Rate: The number of meteors that would appear per hour, assuming the same level of activity.

• ZHR: The number of meteors a single experienced observer would see per hour, if the radiant is directly overhead and the limiting magnitude is 6.5. That means the number of the observed meteors will be corrected for:-
  1. Obscured percentage (clouds, buildings, ...etc.).

  2. Limiting magnitude (If less/More than 6.5.).

  3. Radiant's altitude above the local horizon (If less than 90 degrees).

• r = 2.0 is adopted for limiting magnitude correction.

• The limiting magnitude from 23:04 - 01:30 was 5.9, while it was 6.1 after that.

The above table shows obvious fluctuations of the number of meteors, so larger interval is taken in order to smoothen the data. Kindly find below a table of the same data but with 5-minute interval.

* Remarks:-

• Based on 1-minute interval, the peak occurred on 18 November between 02:00 - 02:01 UT, with ZHR of 8163. Also, based on 5-minute interval, the peak occurred between 02:00 - 02:05 UT, with ZHR of 5855.

Immediately as the observation was ended, we had some quick interviews with the participants, asking them about their feeling after such great storm ! Also, some of them were asked about the unexpected high rate of meteors. Some of these interviews (done by Moh'd Odeh and Sana' Abdo) were recorded on tape, so kindly click on the audio file (at the end of the comment) to hear the interview.

As the camping had ended, and the the participants were to leave Jordan after the great time we spent together, they have written some comments on our guest book. Kindly find the comments below.

• Mr. Kenneth Merin (USA): I am very grateful to JAS that they permitted me to come with my son to witness the fantastic Meteor storm at the desert camp. Our hosts were a credit to the great Arab traditions of hospitality. The leonids would have been terrific all by themselves, but the chance to be with other meteor lovers and to learn new state of the art science as it is evolving was a wonderful opportunity. Shokran!!

• Mr. David Merin (USA): The meteor storm we observed from the Hamzeh Astronomical Camp was simply unbelievable. Our hosts from JAS were very hospitable and were wonderful hosts. It was great that they brought all of these people from all over the world to have that conference and it was something special to get to meet Prince Faisel. The awesome meteor storm and the fantastic job that JAS did in hosting the camp made this trip very memorable.

• Prof. Jack Baggaley (IAU, President of the IAU Commission 22 / Meteors & Interplanetary Dust, New Zealand): Our time at the Hamzeh camp for the 1999 Leonids has been a most wonderful experience. Our hosts the JAS members have given their time and concern and looked after us. With the 'clear skies' of the web page we were treated to a magnificent storm display. Thank you all for this very memorable experience.

• Mr. YeongKwong Chia (The astronomical society of Singapore, Singapore): No words can describe the Meteor 'super' storm that I observed from Hamzeh Astro Camp at predicted hour, it will be the best 'encounter' of the 'sky' type for me from a light polluted and clear-night-only-in 2 of the month sky. I will also remember for the rest of my life the 'extreme' hospitality display from everyone of your marvelous team. The sky is perfect, the site wonderful, and people - yes people (JAS teams) make this unique , once-in-my-live-time over sea travel the best of the best. Of course the chance to meet 'friends' around the globe make this a unique experience. The sky 'cooperate' also by providing the high number of Meteors.

• Dr. David Asher (Armagh Observatory, Ireland): The conference was truly wonderful and we were all really fortunate to have the JAS arrange it for us. Nothing was too much trouble for them in order to make our stay in Jordan enjoyable. It was great to meet people from so many countries and make new friends with other people interested in meteors. And seeing the world's first meteor storm in 33 years from the best possible location, wasn't bad either!

• Dr. Georg Dittie (Public Observatory of Bonn, Germany): The Hamzeh site is completely unusual for observers from central Europe: from horizon to horizon, it offers unexpected view into the sky. This place is only accessible together with our hosts from JAS who put us into their middle, not only for observation. The result was the densest meteor storm I've ever seen in my life. Thanks you JAS and Jordan!

• Mr. René Esser (Netherlands Association for Meteorology and Astronomy, Netherlands) I thank JAS for the wonderful organization and congratulate them by that. So I was telling Shara it was much better than a camp that I had in Wapaz Wexico. This camp is a beautiful site, with those clear skies. I'm jealous about that. The excursions, to meet the Prince, the meals and so on it was fantastic. I discussed with David Asher of we not could arrange this more say about two or three Years. When I am in Holland, I look back with joy in the least for this wonderful camp.

• Mr. Urijan Poerink (Netherlands Association for Meteorology and Astronomy, Netherlands) I enjoyed the stay in Jordan. The conference was very interesting and it was great to get the last news about the Leonids from the best experts of the world! The three nights and days at the Hamzeh camp in the desert was of course the most exiting experience. I made several Eclipse and Leonid expeditions, but this one was definitely the best. The hospitality of all the JAS-members was unforgettable! I hope to meet you again some time, some place on the world! I'll never forget the conference and the camp !

• Dr. Paul Koenraad (Netherlands Association for Meteorology and Astronomy, Netherlands) It was a most wonderful experience to see both the Leonids and Jordan. Both things I will never forget. It was really a great pleasure to take part in the welling to experience the great hospitality of the JAS and its members. I wish the best for all of you. Thanks a lot.

• Mr. Jamshid Arshadi (Adib Teaching Center of Astronomy, Iran): Everything was perfect.. and if I add anything more, it can't express my exact feelings.

As the participants get back to their countries, we have received several impressions and memories from the participants. Kindly find below some of the messages we got.

• Mr. YeongKwong Chia (The astronomical society of Singapore, Singapore): "In summary I have exceeded all my personal objectives of this scientific conference / expedition - Witnessed the great Leonids Meteor storm, seen how radio meteors and intensifier imaging were conducted, met the scientists and researchers, experienced Jordan's fabulous rose stone Petra city, smoked ( just a few puff) of Arabic water pipe, visited the lowest spot on earth Dead Sea, recorded some meteors on both video/film. The most important is get to know others around the globe. Friendships were forged and I personally experienced the great hospitality shown by the host - JAS members from Jordan who ran 'an extra mile' to ensure we are comfortable and our needs attended to. The 1999 Jordanian Leonid Meteors Conference is a Complete SUCCESS!. Recently ( Dec 14/15) as I was watching the Geminids low ZHR (due to LM 3.0 Sky) but impressive bright yellowish meteors in alone downstairs HDB poor sky, I suddenly remembered our wonderful experience in Al-Azraq Camp sky. I am looking forwards to witness another Century best Leonid STORM 2001 hopefully with the same great teams."

• Mr. René Esser, Mr. Urijan Poerink, and Dr. Paul Koenraad (Netherlands Association for Meteorology and Astronomy, Netherlands) "The conference and the Hamzeh camping was very well organized and the hospitality of the JAS and its members was unsurpassed! We, the Dutch participants, thank them for the eight unforgettable days in Jordan. We also thank the other participants for their contribution to the successful conference and the Leonid campaign. We appreciated the fact, that His Royal Highness Prince Feisal graced the conference with his presence. He gave each participant a fine commemorative plate. Undoubtedly the Hamzeh Camping was one of the best places in the world to observe the Leonids this year: clear and dark sky and a radiant elevation of 62 degrees during the maximum activity! We expected a ZHR of around 500 or, with some luck, a ZHR of around 2000. But we were pleasantly surprised by a magnificent Leonid storm! A storm with a estimated ZHR of 7000 +/- 1000!"

• Mr. Urijan Poerink (Netherlands Association for Meteorology and Astronomy, Netherlands) "René Esser and I came home after two great weeks in Jordan and Jerusalem! Once more we would like to thank our friends of the JAS for their hospitality, good care and patience with us :-), and for the special gifts, the nice pictures, the excursions etc. etc. We'll tell about it to our friends and family and we'll mention it in our articles for several Dutch astronomical magazines."

• Prof. Jack Baggaley (IAU, President of the IAU Commission 22 / Meteors & Interplanetary Dust, New Zealand): "We had a most wonderful time in Jordan: it was the finest period ever and we were overwhelmed to receive all such kindness and hospitality. Fantastic."

• Dr. David Asher (Armagh Observatory, Ireland): "You did such a good job to organize the conference and all of us who attended it owe you a great deal of thanks. There are very few weeks in my life that I have enjoyed as much as last week."

• Mr. Daniel Fischer (Germany): "... Dedicated to the incredible members of the JAS and those working behind the scenes who made it all happen."

• Mr. Jamshid Arshadi (Adib Teaching Center of Astronomy, Iran): "I & AliReza believe that we were at our home in Jordan."

Click on the photo for larger view.

The Participants At Al-Azraq Camp	Two Colorful Leonid Meteors 18 November, 400 Kodak 50 mm, f/1.7. By Moh'd Odeh
Two Bright Meteors 18 Nov. 28 mm f/2.8, 800 ASA 10 minutes, By Eyad Mustafa	Bright Leonids Also 18 Nov. 28 mm f/3.5, 800 ASA 15 minutes, By Eyad Mustafa
More than 70 Leonid Meteors !! During the Storm 18 Nov. 24 mm f/2.8, 800 ASA 10 minutes, By Eyad Mustafa	All-Sky Photo 18 Nov. 28 mm f/2.8 (With Adapter) 800 ASA, 15 minutes, By Eyad Mustafa

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