Solar System - Small bodies of Solar System Topics
Radio Meteor Alert
1999 — April 6, 2011
Earth may be headed into two meteoroid swarms that could produce shooting stars for the next week. Radio observations reported yesterday indicate that meteor activity may already be underway.
Face-to-face with asteroid Braille
1999 — April 6, 2011
Using an experimental autopilot system, NASA's exotic Deep Space 1spacecraft has completed the closest-ever flyby of an asteroid.
Heads Up!
1999 — April 6, 2011
The upcoming Leonids meteor shower (Nov. 17-18) is expected to be the biggest in decades and perhaps for the next century. While we are safe on the ground, satellite operators are concerned that even small impacts could short-circuit satellites. NASA will coordinate a team that helps track changes in the shower that could be a storm.
A Leonid on the Moon?
1999 — April 6, 2011
The first recorded impact of a meteorite on The Moonmay have been captured on video during the 1999 Leonids meteor storm. Astronomers call for confirming data.
A Surprise November Meteor Shower?
1999 — April 6, 2011
On November 11, 1999 Earth will pass close to the orbit of newly-discovered Comet LINEAR C/1999J3. The result could be a new meteor shower -- the Linearids. This article includes tips for visual and ham radio observing.
Leonids on the Moon
1999 — April 6, 2011
When the Leonid meteor shower strikes on November 18, Earth won't be the only place in the cross hairs. The Moonwill also pass very close to the debris stream of comet Tempel-Tuttle. Leonid meteorite impacts on The Moonmight be visible from Earth and provide a means for long-distance lunar prospecting.
Making up for Lost Leonids
1999 — April 6, 2011
The 1999 Geminids dazzled observers in North America, making up for a weak display of Leonids one month earlier. Another meteor shower is just 3 weeks away.
Great Geminids!
1999 — April 6, 2011
On December 13 and 14, 1999, fragments of the mysterious asteroid 3200 Phaethon will strike Earth's atmosphere and produce a beautiful sky show. The Geminids offer the last chance in 1999 for skywatchers to view a dazzling meteor shower. Follow the action at Geminids.com.
Y2K Meteor Burst
1999 — April 6, 2011
One of the most intense and least observed annual meteor showers peaks on the morning of Jan. 4, 2000. The Quadrantids will be the first major meteor display of the New Year. Follow the shower at Quadrantids.com.
MeteorsDown Under
1999 — April 6, 2011
On May 6th debris from Halley's comet will strike Earth's atmosphere and put on a sky show for southern observers. The eta Aquarid meteor display is the first of two upcoming annual showers caused by the famous comet.