An overview of the radio observations during May 2020 is given.

 

The graphs show both the daily totals (Figure 1) and the hourly numbers (Figure 2) of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, overdense reflections longer than 10 seconds and longer than 1 minute, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during the month of May 2020.

The hourly numbers, for echoes shorter than 1 minute, are weighted averages derived from:

N(h) = n(h-1)/4 + n(h)/2 + n(h+1)/4

The observations were sometimes complicated by (mainly) local interference, unidentified noise or by moderate lightning activity (on 3 different days), but the automatic counts were corrected manually in order to minimize the effects of the disturbances.

The eye-catchers of the month were, as expected, the eta-Aquariids, which apparently already reached their maximum on May 4th, but remained rather moderate overall.

During the rest of the month, there was markedly increased activity compared to previous months, with several minor showers showing higher numbers of reflections longer than 10 seconds.

Also included is a selection of SpecLab screen captures of some interesting or long meteor reflections during this month. Some of these illustrate the fact that strong or extended reflections are often accompanied by a number of underdense reflections. (Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16).

If you are interested in the actual figures, please send me an e-mail:  felix.verbelen at skynet.be.

 

Figure 1 – The daily totals of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, overdense reflections longer than 10 seconds and longer than 1 minute, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during May 2020.

 

Figure 2 – The hourly numbers of “all” reflections counted automatically, and of manually counted “overdense” reflections, overdense reflections longer than 10 seconds and longer than 1 minute, as observed here at Kampenhout (BE) on the frequency of our VVS-beacon (49.99 MHz) during May 2020.

 

Figure 3 – 2020 May 1 at 09h20m UT.

 

Figure 4 – 2020 May 1 at 11h25m UT.

 

Figure 5 – 2020 May 3 at 13h50m UT.

Figure 6 – 2020 May 4 at 6h35m UT.

 

Figure 7 – 2020 May 4 at 08h05m UT.

 

Figure 8 – 2020 May 4 at 08h30m UT.

 

Figure 9 – 2020 May 5 at 12h00m UT.

 

Figure 10 – 2020 May 7 at 06h50m UT.

 

Figure 11 – 2020 May 7 at 07h20m UT.

 

Figure 12 – 2020 May 11 at 07h50m UT.

 

Figure 13 – 2020 May 27 at 02h40m UT.

 

Figure 14 – 2020 May 27 at 23h40m UT.

 

Figure 15 – 2020 May 28 at 01h40m UT.

 

Figure 16 – 2020 May 29 at 12h00m UT.