International Meteor Organization
IMO Meteor Shower Calendar 1995
compiled by Alastair McBeath
based on contributions from Rainer Arlt, Jürgen Rendtel and Paul Roggemans
prepared for Usenet, Astronet and Compuserve by André Knöfel
prepared for WWW by Sirko Molau
IMOs Meteor Shower Calendar for 1995 contains the following items:
based on contributions from Rainer Arlt, Jürgen Rendtel and Paul Roggemans
prepared for Usenet, Astronet and Compuserve by André Knöfel
prepared for WWW by Sirko Molau
IMOs Meteor Shower Calendar for 1995 contains the following items:
- Introduction
- Highlights of the year
- Quadrantids
- Alpha-Carinids
- Theta-Centaurids
- Lyrids
- Pi-Puppids
- Eta-Aquarids
- Piscis Austrinids
- Southern Delta-Aquarids
- Alpha-Capricornids
- Kappa-Aquarids
- Orionids
- Leonids
- Alpha-Monocerotids
- Ursids
- Abbreviations
- Tables
- Working list of visual meteor showers
- Virginid complex radiant center motion
- Scorpid/Sagittarid complex radiant center motion
- Radiant drifts for different showers
- Puppid/Velid complex radiant center motion
- Radiant positions for the Taurids
- Working list of daytime radio meteor streams
- Lunar phases for 1995
- Useful addresses
Introduction
Welcome to the 1995 International Meteor Organization (IMO) Meteor Calendar. Inside we present notes on some of the more interesting, or favorably-placed meteor showers of the year, together with tables featuring details on all the showers currently known to the IMO which produce definite photographic, radio, telescopic, or visual activity. Although ideally meteor data should be collected at all times when conditions permit throughout the year, such protracted monitoring is often not possible, thus the Calendar provides a ready means of helping to determine when a particular effort may be most usefully made for those with a restricted observing schedule. The IMO aims to encourage, collect, analyze, and publish combined meteor data obtained from sites all over the globe in order to further our understanding of the meteor activity detectable from the Earth's surface. Results from only a few localized places can never provide such total comprehension, and it is solely by the support of many people across the whole world that our continuing steps towards constructing a true and complete picture of the near-Earth meteoroid flux can proceed. This means that all meteor workers, wherever they are and whatever methods they use to record meteors, should follow the standard IMO observing guidelines when compiling their information, and submit their data promptly to the appropriate Commission for analysis. Visual and photographic techniques have long been popular, and allow nightly meteor coverage (weather permitting), although both suffer considerably from the presence of moonlight. Telescopic observations are far less popular, though they allow the fine detail of shower radiant structures to be derived, and they permit very low activity showers to be accurately detected. Video methods are now starting to be taken up, and these have the advantages, and disadvantages, of both photographic and telescopic observing, but are certain to increase in importance in the future. Radio receivers can be utilized at all times, regardless of clouds, moonlight, or daylight, and provide the only way in which 24-hour meteor observing can be accomplished for most latitudes. All of these methods used together cover virtually the entire range of meteoroid sizes, with sufficient overlap between them to allow both accurate positional data and activity levels to be derived, from the very largest fireball- producing events (using all-sky photographic patrols or visual observations) through to tiny dust grains producing extremely faint telescopic or radio meteors. Remember that all of the above modes also allow the monitoring of the continuous background flux of sporadic meteors. Though often treated as of lesser regard than the showers, the sporadics give an essential calibration for all other activities, and are furthermore a fascinating subject of study on their own. However and whenever you are able to observe, we wish you all a most successful year's work and very much look forward to receiving your data. Clear skies!
Highlights of the year
In this section, we look at some of the showers especially suitable for observation this year. Those not dealt with are largely omitted as their main maxima are badly affected by moonlight, the main casualty in 1995 being the Perseids, although because of the unpredictable nature of this shower's outburst maxima in recent years, visual, photographic and radio observers are urged to be active in any case. Both main peaks are expected between August 12, 13h UT and August 13, 04h UT. Information on special projects, new and suspected showers can be found in the IMO's bimonthly journal WGN, which should be regularly consulted for the latest news on all matters meteoric.
Quadrantids
Active : January 1--5
Maximum : January 3, 23h UT (lambda = 283.16°)
ZHR = 110
Radiant : alpha = 230°, delta = +49°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +0.8°, Delta\delta= -0.2°
Diameter : 5°
V = 41 km/s
r = 2.1 (variable)
TFC : alpha = 242°, delta = +75° and
alpha = 198°, delta = +40° (beta >40° N)
PFC : before 00h local time alpha = 150°, delta = +70°;
after 00h local time alpha = 180°, delta = +40° and
alpha = 240°, delta = +70° (beta > 40° N)
Opening the year for northern hemisphere observers is an excellent return of
the Quadrantids, with the Moon a thin waxing crescent at worst. The shower's
radiant is in northern Bootes, and although circumpolar for many northern
sites, is at a useful elevation only after about local midnight. The shower
cannot be sensibly viewed from the southern hemisphere.
The maximum ZHR seems to fluctuate from year to year, though this may be a
result of data collected from too few weather--affected sites in the past,
and the situation is further complicated by the fact that mass-sorting of the
stream appears to cause the fainter (radio and telescopic) meteors to peak up
to around 14 hours before the brighter (visual and photographic) ones.
The actual maximum for any given class of meteors rarely exceeds a few hours
duration however, and can easily be missed. The time of maximum given above
is for visual observations, based on the most reliable series of observations
presently available, obtained by IMO members in 1992. This year affords
another fine opportunity to improve the accuracy of this result still
further. Consequently, all meteoricists should be alert well before and after
this time.
There is some evidence that the radiant size contracts markedly near the peak
and is more diffuse at other times, and photographic observations are
particularly encouraged by the IMO in 1995, with camera work to be carried
out from January 1 to 7 for this purpose. Camera fields should be centred
about 20°-30° from the radiant, but not below about 40° elevation from
the horizon. Photographic meteor rates are liable to be low away from the
shower's peak, but any results obtained away from this period would be doubly
valuable. Accurate visual and telescopic meteor plotting would be welcomed
too.
Alpha-Carinids
Active : January 24--February 09 Maximum : January 31 (lambda = 311.7°) Radiant : alpha= 95°, delta= -54°; diameter : 5° V = 25 km/s r = 2.5 This is one of a number of minor southern hemisphere showers about which very little is known. Indeed, southern hemisphere meteor astronomy would benefit from a full survey to establish just which less active showers are genuinely producing rates at the present time. The current year affords a good opportunity to observe this particular shower, as new Moon falls on January 30. All forms of observations should be employed for it, with photographic and telescopic field centres around 20° to 40° from the radiant and at least 40° from the horizon. The radiant itself, near Canopus (alpha Carinae), is well above the horizon for most of the night.
Theta-Centaurids
Active : January 23--Mar 12 Maximum : February 01 (lambda = 312.7°) Radiant : alpha = 210°, delta = -40° Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +1.1°, Delta\delta = -0.2° Diameter : 6° V = 60 km/s r = 2.6 Another minor shower visible only from the southern hemisphere, which is badly in need of a thorough set of of observations. Its maximum is just a day after that of the Alpha-Centaurids, so its observing circumstances are very similar. The main difference is that its radiant elevation improves throughout the night from about 23h local time, and culminates after dawn. Photographers and telescopic observers should follow the advice given for the Alpha-Centaurids above, while visual watchers should carry out standard IMO plotting watches for best effects.
Lyrids
Active : April 16--25
Maximum : April 22, 15h UT (lambda = 32.1°)
ZHR : variable---up to 90, usually 15--25
Radiant : alpha = 271°, delta = +34°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +1.1°, Delta\delta = 0.0°
Diameter : 5°
V = 49 km/s
r = 2.9
TFC : alpha = 262°, delta = +16° and
alpha = 282°, delta = +19° (beta > 10° S)
The Lyrids are best viewed from the northern hemisphere, but they are
observable from most sites either north or south of the equator, and are
suitable for all forms of observation. Maximum rates are attained for only
about an hour or two at best, and can be rather erratic at times. In most
years, activity of between 15--25 meteors per hour is seen, but on occasion
much higher rates are noted. The most recent such event was in 1982 when
American observers recorded a very short-lived peak ZHR of 90. This
unpredictability means the Lyrids are always a shower to watch, since we
cannot tell when another unusual return may happen.
As the shower's radiant rises during the night, watches can be usefully
carried out from about 22.30 local time onwards. The peak activity falls with
the Moon at last quarter in 1995, and although the predicted maximum would
appear to favour sites in the western Pacific region and eastern Asia
particularly, the maximum time may be somewhat different to this due to
variations in the stream, so all observers should be alert.
Pi-Puppids
Active : April 15--28
Maximum : April 23, 21h UT (lambda = 33.3°)
ZHR : periodic---up to around 40
Radiant : alpha = 110°, delta = -45°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +0.6°, Delta\delta = -0.2°
Diameter : 5°
V = 18 km/s
r = 2.0
TFC : alpha = 135°, delta = -55° and
alpha = 105°, delta = -25° (beta < 20° N)
This is a young stream produced by Comet P/Grigg-Skjellerup, and shower
activity has only been detected from it since 1972. Notable short-lived
shower maxima of around 40 meteors per hour occurred in 1977 and 1982---both
years in which the parent comet was at perihelion---but up to 1982, little
activity was seen at other times.
In 1983 however, a ZHR of about 13 was recorded, perhaps suggesting that the
stream has begun to spread further along the comet's orbit, as theory
predicts, so that even though Comet Grigg-Skjellerup is near aphelion in
1995, there is still the possibility of observing a shower from it this year.
The Pi-Puppids are best-seen from the southern hemisphere, with useful
observations mainly possible before local midnight. So far, visual and radio
data have been collected on the shower, but the slow, bright nature of the
meteors make them ideal photographic subjects too. No telescopic data have
been reported in detail as yet either. The Moon will be just past last
quarter for the shower's peak, which means that any shower rates can be
observed by all these techniques with the benefit of a dark sky.
Eta-Aquarids
Active : April 19--May 28
Maximum : May 3, 23h UT (lambda = 43.1°)
ZHR : 50
Radiant : alpha = 336°, delta = -02°,
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +0.9°, Delta\delta = +0.4°
Diameter : 4°
V = 66 km/s
r = 2.7
TFC : alpha = 319°, delta = +10° and
alpha = 321°, delta = -23° (beta < 20° S)
This is a fine, rich stream associated with Comet P/Halley, like the Orionids
in October, but it is visible for only a few hours before dawn essentially
from tropical and southern hemisphere sites. Occasional meteors have been
reported from further north, and the shower would benefit from increased
observer activity generally. The fast and often bright meteors make the wait
for radiant-rise worthwhile, and many events leave glowing persistent trains
after them. A relatively broad maximum -- sometimes with a variable number of
submaxima -- usually occurs in early May, and activity can be good for
several consecutive nights over this peak. Since new Moon is on April 29 in
1995, the shower will be free from moonlight at its best.
All forms of observing can be used to study the shower, with radio work
allowing activity to be followed even from the northern hemisphere throughout
the daylight morning hours. The radiant culminates at about 8h local time.
Piscis Austrinids
Active : July 9--August 17
Maxima : July 29 (lambda = 125.7°)
ZHR : 8
Radiant : alpha = 341°, delta = -30°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +1.0°, Delta\delta = +0.2°
Diameter : 5°
V = 35 km/s
r = 3.2
TFCs : alpha = 255° to 0°, delta = 0° to +15°,
choose pairs separated by about 30° in alpha (beta < 30° N)
Like the Aquarid/Capricornid showers detailed below, this stream is best seen
from near-equatorial or southern hemisphere sites. As Piscis Austrinid
meteors are very similar in appearance to the Aquarids in particular, and
radiate from a similar region of the sky, it is important for visual watchers
to plot all possible shower members. Telescopic observations would also be
very sensible. The new Moon at the end of July is very favourable for the
shower's peak, and from suitable latitudes, the radiant elevation is high for
almost the entire night.
Southern Delta-Aquarids
Active : July 8--August 19
Maximum : July 29, 05h UT (lambda = 125.7°)
ZHR : 20
Radiant : alpha = 339°, delta = -16°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha, Delta\delta -- see Table 4
Diameter : 5°
V = 41 km/s
r = 3.2
TFC : alpha = 255° to 0°, delta = 0° to +15°,
choose pairs separated by about 30° in alpha (beta > 40° N)
All four Aquarid streams are rich in faint meteors, which makes them well-
suited to telescopic and radio work, but enough brighter members occur to
make visual and even photographic observations possible too. While best
viewing circumstances are to be had from the southern hemisphere, they are
accessible to more northerly sites as well, although they are never
especially impressive from such locations.
The concentration of so many stream radiants in Capricornus and Aquarius at
this time of year often makes shower association difficult, so careful visual
plotting is essential, and observers should be familiar with the approximate
radiant positions for all these showers for any nights observed on. The only
shower likely to produce difficulties in plotting terms is the Southern
Delta-Aquarids near their peak, though the time of their maximum is rather
uncertain, and activity may well be reasonably good for a night or two to
either side of the predicted date. With new Moon on July 27, this shower's
best rates should be well recorded given good skies, since its radiant is
above the horizon all night.
Alpha-Capricornids
Active : July 3--August 25
Maximum : July 30 (lambda = 126.7°)
Radiant : alpha = 307°, delta = -10°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha, Delta\delta -- see Table 4
Diameter : 8°
V = 23 km/s
r = 2.5
TFC : alpha = 255° to 0°, delta = 0° to +15°,
choose pairs separated by about 30° in alpha (beta > 40° N)
PFC : alpha = 300°, delta = +10° (beta > 45° N)
alpha = 320°, delta = -05° (beta 0° to 45° N)
alpha = 300°, delta = -25° (beta < 0°)
This shower has long been noted for its bright -- sometimes fireball-class --
meteors. Their low apparent speed means that they are particularly attractive
to visual and photographic observers. Photographers might like to try
experiments with fragmentation or spectral studies, for example. Although
best observed from more southerly latitudes, those watching from the northern
hemisphere should not ignore the shower. Visual observers south of about
45° N can usefully make meteor plots certainly. As with the two above
showers, the Alpha-Capricornids benefit from the new Moon near the end of
July this year, and the radiant is close to the zenith around local midnight
from the southern hemisphere.
Kappa-Aquarids
Active : September 8--30 Maximum : September 21 (lambda = 178.7°) ZHR : 3 Radiant : alpha = 339°, delta = -02° Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +1.0°, Delta\delta = +0.2° Diameter : 5° V = 16 km/s r = 3.0 This minor shower's radiant at its maximum lies near the "Water Jar" asterism in Aquarius, and consequently is well clear of the horizon for observers south of about 45° N all night. It has not been clearly studied, and further data is badly needed on it. Its meteors are slow and faint, making them good telescopic targets, and visual meteor plotting should not be too difficult, again because of the meteors' very low apparent velocity. Telescopic field centres should be around 20° to 40° from the radiant and at least 40° above the horizon. As new Moon occurs just three days after their peak, conditions should be excellent for increasing our knowledge of this shower in 1995.
Orionids
Active : October 2--November 7
Maximum : October 22 (lambda = 208.4°)
ZHR : 25
Radiant : alpha = 95°, delta = +16°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +1.2°, Delta\delta = +0.1°
Diameter : 10°
V = 66 km/s
r = 2.9
TFC : alpha = 100°, delta = +39° and
alpha = 75°, delta = +24° (beta > 40° N) or
alpha = 80°, delta = +01° and
alpha = 117°, delta = +01° (beta < 40° N)
On 1993 October 17-18, the Orionids produced a brief but unexpected outburst
of rates equivalent to their normal maximum, some four days before the
predicted peak. The usual maximum then followed in due course around October
21. There is some evidence to suggest this "early maximum" may have been
observed previously, but not in every year, and shows how essential it is to
collect data at times away from known shower peaks. Whether a repeat
performance can be looked for this year we cannot say, but observations,
particularly photographic, telescopic and visual, would be very useful. The
radiant itself has a complex structure, with a number of subradiants, some of
which may be associated with the lesser maxima often reported during the
shower (the 1993 event was an exceptional "lesser peak") and benefits
particularly from telescopic watching. Naked-eye observations are too
inaccurate to properly define the fine radiant structure.
As their radiant is near the celestial equator, the Orionids can be seen from
much of the globe, and observations can be carried out from around midnight
or a little before from most places. Covering the expected main maximum
should present no difficulties in 1995, since the Moon is new on October 24.
Like their May counterpart the Eta-Aquarids, Orionid meteors are swift, can
be bright and are often trained, so they well repay the effort needed to see
them.
Leonids
Active : November 14--21
Maximum : November 18, 08h UT (lambda = 235.57°)
ZHR : periodic---up to storm levels, recently 10--15
Radiant : alpha = 152°, delta = +22°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +0.7°, Delta\delta = -0.4°
Diameter : 5°
V = 71 km/s
r = 2.5
TFC : alpha = 140°, delta = +35° and
alpha = 129°, delta = +06° (beta > 35° N) or
alpha = 156°, delta = -03° and
alpha = 129°, delta = +06° (beta < 35° N)
The Leonid stream is perhaps most famous for its periodic storms occurring at
roughly 33-year intervals when its associated comet, P/Tempel-Tuttle, returns
to perihelion. This situation is due to happen again in the years 1998--2000,
and Leonid activity is expected to increase in the next few years as the
comet approaches. Clearly, we have the best opportunity ever to follow these
changes in the coming years more fully than has been previously possible, and
to take advantage of these circumstances a special International Leonid Watch
project has been set up with IMO help to coordinate world-wide professional
and amateur Leonid studies. All observing methods should be pursued to ensure
that no detail is missed. Data collection began in 1991, and is intended to
continue into the next century.
In 1995, circumstances are not absolutely ideal, since the Moon will rise
only a couple of hours after the shower radiant at the expected maximum
(radiant rise is around local midnight for most locations north or south of
the equator), but it will at least be a waning crescent in Virgo. Data by all
observing methods is required.
Alpha-Monocerotids
Active : November 15--25
Maximum : November 21 (lambda = 239.4°)
ZHR : 5
Radiant : alpha = 117°, delta = -06°
Radiant drift: Delta\alpha = +1.1°, Delta\delta = -0.1°
Diameter : 5°
V = 60 km/s
r = 2.7
TFC : alpha = 115°, delta = +23° and
alpha = 129°, delta = +20° (beta > 20° N) or
alpha = 110°, delta = -27° and
alpha = 98°, delta = +06° (beta < 20° N)
Several unusual returns of this minor stream have occurred, when very short-
lived bursts of high rates have been seen. A ten-year periodicity has been
suggested in these events, which were primarily noted in 1925, 1935 and 1985.
This year would be a good time to try to confirm the reality of the
situation, providing plenty of observers collect and accurately report their
results. The Moon is almost perfectly- placed, just a day before new for the
shower peak. The radiant is available for useful watching from roughly 23h
local time; all observing methods should be employed.
Ursids
Active : December 17--26
Maximum : December 22 (lambda = 270.93°)
ZHR : variable, usually about 15, may reach 50+
Radiant : alpha = 217°, delta = +75°
Diameter : 5°
V = 33 km/s
r = 3.0
TFC : alpha = 348°, delta = +75° and
alpha = 131°, delta = +66° (beta > 40° N) or
alpha = 63°, delta = +84° and
alpha = 156°, delta = +64° (beta 30° to 40° N)
A northern hemisphere shower which has been very poorly observed, although at
least two major outbursts have occurred within the past 50 years, in 1945 and
1986. Other similar events could easily have been missed however, and we
cannot be certain whether these two outbursts represent a definite
periodicity or not.
Clearly, this is a case where widespread data collection is absolutely vital.
All forms of observation can be made of this shower since many of its meteors
appear to be faint. Unfortunately, so little work has been carried out on the
Ursids that definite statements about what can or cannot be expected from the
shower have no real accuracy.
Although the radiant is circumpolar from almost all northern hemisphere sites
(and thus fails to rise for most southerly ones), it is at its highest later
in the night, culminating after daybreak. New Moon is one day before the peak
this year, so no chance to observe this shower should be wasted.
Abbreviations
- alpha, delta, Delta\alpha, Delta\delta: Coordinates for a shower's radiant
position, usually at maximum; alpha is right ascension, and delta is
declination. Delta indicates the change in either alpha or delta per
day after the peak; + and - signs should be reversed to calculate
radiant positions before this date.
- r : Poplation index, a term computed from each shower's meteor magnitude
distribution. r=2.0--2.5 is brighter than average, while r above 3.0
is fainter than average.
- lambda : Solar longitude, a precise measure of the Earth's position on its
orbit which is not dependent on the vagaries of the calendar. All
lambda are given for the equinox 2000.0.
- V : Atmospheric or apparent meteoric velocity given in km/s. Velocities
range from about 11 km/s (very slow) to 72 km/s (very fast). 40 km/s
is roughly medium speed.
- ZHR: Zenithal Hourly Rate, a calculated maximum number of meteors an ideal
observer would see in a perfectly clear skies with the shower
radiant overhead. This figure is given in terms of meteors per hour.
Storm rates are usually well in excess of 1000 meteors per hour.
Radio ZHRs are based on corrected echo rates, so give only a rough
guide as to what visual activity could be seen in the absence of
daylight. - TFC and PFC: suggested telescopic and photographic field
centers respectively. beta is the observer's latitude ('<' means
``south of'' and '>' means ``north of''). Pairs of telescopic fields
must be observed, alternating about every half hour, so that the
positions of radiants can be defined. The exact choice of TFC or PFC
depends on the observer's location and the elevation of the radiant.
Tables
Table 1 -- Working list of visual meteor showers. Streams marked with an asterisk only produce the indicated ZHR in certain years, and otherwise produce much lower activity. Contact the IMO's Visual Commission for more information. Shower Activity Maximum Radiant Date lambda alpha delta Diam ° ° ° ° Quadrantids Jan 01-Jan 05 Jan 03 283.1 230 +49 5 Pi-Puppids II (3) Jan 06-Jan 14 Jan 10 290.7 113 -43 5 Delta-Cancrids Jan 05-Jan 24 Jan 17 296.7 130 +20 10/5 Alpha-Crucids Jan 06-Jan 28 Jan 19 299.7 192 -63 10/5 Lambda-Velids II (3) Jan 18-Jan 26 Jan 21 301.7 133 -46 5 Alpha-Carinids Jan 24-Feb 09 Jan 31 311.7 95 -54 5 Virginids Feb 01-May 30 several Table 2 15/10 Theta-Centaurids Jan 23-Mar 12 Feb 01 312.7 210 -40 6 Alpha-Centaurids * Jan 28-Feb 21 Feb 07 318.7 210 -59 4 Omicron-Centaurids Jan 31-Feb 19 Feb 11 322.7 177 -56 6 Delta-Leonids Feb 05-Mar 19 Feb 15 326.7 159 +19 8 Gamma-Normids Feb 25-Mar 22 Mar 14 353.7 249 -51 5 Beta-Pavonids Mar 11-Apr 16 Apr 07 017.2 308 -63 10/15 Scorpid/Sagittarids (1) Apr 15-Jul 25 several Table 3 15/10 Lyrids * Apr 16-Apr 25 Apr 22 032.1 271 +34 5 Pi-Puppids * Apr 15-Apr 28 Apr 23 033.3 110 -45 5 Alpha-Bootids Apr 14-May 12 Apr 27 036.7 218 +19 8 Eta-Aquarids Apr 19-May 28 May 03 043.1 336 -02 4 Alpha-Scorpids (2) Mar 26-May 12 May 03 043.4 240 -27 5 Ophiuchids N (2) Apr 25-May 31 May 10 049.7 249 -14 5 Beta-Corona Australids(2) Apr 23-May 30 May 15 054.7 284 -40 5 Kappa-Scorpids (2) May 04-May 27 May 19 058.9 267 -39 5 Ophiuchids S (2) May 13-May 26 May 20 059.8 258 -24 5 Omega-Scorpids (2) May 23-Jun 15 Jun 04 074.2 243 -22 5 Chi-Scorpids (2) May 24-Jun 20 Jun 05 075.2 248 -14 6 Gamma-Sagittarids (2) May 22-Jun 13 Jun 06 076.1 272 -28 6 Theta-Ophiuchids (2) Jun 04-Jul 15 Jun 13 082.4 267 -20 5 Lyrids (Jun) Jun 11-Jun 21 Jun 16 085.2 278 +35 5 Bootids (Jun) Jun 26-Jun 30 Jun 28 096.3 219 +49 8 Lambda-Sagittarids (2) Jun 05-Jul 25 Jul 01 099.6 276 -25 6 Pegasids Jul 07-Jul 11 Jul 10 107.7 340 +15 5 Phoenicids (Jul) Jun 24-Jul 18 Jul 15 112.7 021 -43 7 Piscis Austrinids Jul 09-Aug 17 Jul 29 125.7 341 -30 5 Delta-Aquarids S Jul 08-Aug 19 Jul 29 125.7 339 -16 5 Alpha-Capricornids Jul 03-Aug 25 Jul 30 126.7 307 -10 8 Iota-Aquarids S Jul 15-Aug 25 Aug 04 131.7 333 -15 5 Delta-Aquarids N Jul 15-Aug 25 Aug 12 139.7 337 -05 5 Perseids Jul 17-Aug 24 Aug 12 139.5 046 +58 5 Kappa-Cygnids Aug 03-Aug 31 Aug 19 145.7 286 +59 6 Iota-Aquarids N Aug 11-Sep 20 Aug 20 147.7 327 -06 5 Pi-Eridanids Aug 20-Sep 05 Aug 29 155.7 052 -15 6 Alpha-Aurigids Aug 24-Sep 05 Sep 01 158.6 084 +42 5 Delta-Aurigids Sep 05-Oct 10 Sep 09 166.7 060 +47 5 Piscids Aug 15-Oct 14 Sep 20 177.7 008 00 8 Kappa-Aquarids Sep 08-Sep 30 Sep 21 178.7 339 -02 5 Puppid/Velids Sep 28-Dec 30 several Table 5 10 Capricornids (Oct) Sep 20-Oct 14 Oct 03 189.7 303 -10 5 Sigma-Orionids Sep 10-Oct 26 Oct 05 191.7 086 -03 5 Draconids * Oct 06-Oct 10 Oct 10 197.0 262 +54 5 Epsilon-Geminids Oct 14-Oct 27 Oct 20 206.7 104 +27 5 Orionids Oct 02-Nov 07 Oct 22 208.4 095 +16 10 Taurids S Sep 15-Nov 25 Nov 03 220.7 050 +14 10/5 Taurids N Sep 13-Nov 25 Nov 13 230.7 060 +23 10/5 Leonids * Nov 14-Nov 21 Nov 18 235.6 152 +22 5 Alpha-Monocerotids Nov 15-Nov 25 Nov 21 239.4 117 -06 5 Chi-Orionids Nov 26-Dec 15 Dec 02 250.0 082 +23 8 Phoenicids (Dec) * Nov 28-Dec 09 Dec 06 254.3 018 -53 5 Sigma-Puppids II (3) Nov 27-Dec 12 Dec 06 254.7 102 -45 5 Monocerotids (Dec) Nov 27-Dec 17 Dec 10 258.7 100 +14 5 Sigma-Hydrids Dec 03-Dec 15 Dec 11 259.7 127 +02 5 Geminids Dec 07-Dec 17 Dec 14 262.0 112 +33 4 Coma Berenicids Dec 12-Jan 23 Dec 19 267.7 175 +25 5 Ursids * Dec 17-Dec 26 Dec 23 270.9 217 +75 5 Tau-Puppids (3) Dec 19-Dec 30 Dec 23 272.0 104 -50 5
Shower Drift V r ZHR Delta alpha delta ° ° km/s Quadrantids +0.8 -0.2 41 2.1 110 Pi-Puppids II (3) +0.4 -0.2 35 3.0 Delta-Cancrids +0.9 -0.1 28 3.0 5 Alpha-Crucids +1.1 -0.2 50 2.9 5 Lambda-Velids II (3) +0.7 -0.2 35 3.0 Alpha-Carinids 25 2.5 Virginids Table 2 30 3.0 5 Theta-Centaurids +1.1 -0.2 60 2.6 Alpha-Centaurids * +1.2 -0.3 56 2.0 25+ Omicron-Centaurids +1.0 -0.3 51 2.8 Delta-Leonids +0.9 -0.3 23 3.0 3 Gamma-Normids +1.1 +0.1 56 2.4 8 Beta-Pavonids +1.2 +0.1 59 2.6 13 Scorpid/Sagittarids (1) Table 3 30 2.3 10 Lyrids * +1.1 0.0 49 2.9 90 Pi-Puppids * +0.6 -0.2 18 2.0 40 Alpha-Bootids +0.9 -0.1 20 3.0 3 Eta-Aquarids +0.9 +0.4 66 2.7 50 Alpha-Scorpids (2) +0.9 -0.1 35 2.5 10 Ophiuchids N (2) +0.9 -0.1 30 2.9 Beta-Corona Australids(2) +0.9 -0.1 45 3.1 Kappa-Scorpids (2) +0.9 0.0 45 2.8 Ophiuchids S (2) +0.9 -0.1 30 2.9 Omega-Scorpids (2) +0.9 -0.1 23 3.0 Chi-Scorpids (2) +0.9 -0.1 21 3.1 Gamma-Sagittarids (2) +0.9 0.0 29 2.9 Theta-Ophiuchids (2) +0.9 0.0 27 2.8 Lyrids (Jun) +0.8 0.0 31 3.0 5 Bootids (Jun) 14 3.0 2 Lambda-Sagittarids (2) +0.9 0.0 23 2.6 Pegasids +0.8 +0.2 70 3.0 8 Phoenicids (Jul) +1.0 +0.2 47 3.0 Piscis Austrinids +1.0 +0.2 35 3.2 8 Delta-Aquarids S Table 4 41 3.2 20 Alpha-Capricornids Table 4 23 2.5 8 Iota-Aquarids S Table 4 34 2.9 3 Delta-Aquarids N Table 4 42 3.4 5 Perseids Table 4 59 2.6 95 Kappa-Cygnids 25 3.0 5 Iota-Aquarids N Table 4 31 3.2 3 Pi-Eridanids +0.8 +0.2 59 2.8 Alpha-Aurigids +1.1 0.0 66 2.5 15 Delta-Aurigids +1.0 +0.1 64 3.0 7 Piscids +0.9 +0.2 26 3.0 3 Kappa-Aquarids +1.0 +0.2 16 3.0 3 Puppid/Velids Table 5 41 2.9 Capricornids (Oct) +0.8 +0.2 15 2.8 3 Sigma-Orionids +1.2 0.0 65 3.0 3 Draconids * 20 2.6 storm Epsilon-Geminids +1.0 0.0 71 3.0 5 Orionids +1.2 +0.1 66 2.9 25 Taurids S Table 6 27 2.3 10 Taurids N Table 6 29 2.3 8 Leonids * +0.7 -0.4 71 2.5 storm Alpha-Monocerotids +1.1 -0.1 60 2.7 5 Chi-Orionids +1.2 0.0 28 3.0 3 Phoenicids (Dec) * +0.8 +0.1 18 2.8 100 Sigma-Puppids II (3) +0.3 -0.1 38 2.9 Monocerotids (Dec) +1.2 0.0 42 3.0 5 Sigma-Hydrids +0.7 -0.2 58 3.0 5 Geminids +1.0 -0.1 35 2.6 110 Coma Berenicids +0.8 -0.2 65 3.0 5 Ursids * 33 3.0 50 Tau-Puppids (3) +0.2 -0.1 33 3.0 (1) Radiation area of the Scorpid-Sagittarid complex. Observers north of 30° N should only take into account this area. (2) Major components of the Sco-Sgr complex, to be analyzed by observers south of 30° N only. (3) Major components of the Puppid/Velid complex.
Table 2 - Virginid complex radiant center motion. Date alpha delta Date alpha delta Date alpha delta Date alpha delta ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Feb 03 159 +15 Mar 05 182 +01 Apr 04 200 -06 May 04 211 -11 13 167 +09 15 189 -02 14 204 -08 14 214 -12 23 174 +05 25 195 -04 24 208 -09 24 217 -13
Table 3 - Scorpid/Sagittarid complex radiant center motion. Date alpha delta Date alpha delta Date alpha delta Date alpha delta ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Apr 15 224 -18 May 05 236 -25 Jun 04 260 -30 Jul 04 288 -27 25 230 -22 15 243 -27 14 269 -30 14 297 -24 25 251 -29 24 279 -28 24 306 -20
Table 4 - Radiant drifts for the Alpha-Capricornids, the Delta-Aquarids South and North, the Iota-Aquarids South and North, and the Perseids. Date Alpha-Cap Delta-Aqr S Delta-Aqr N Iota-Aqr S Iota-Aqr N Perseids alpha delta alpha delta alpha delta alpha delta alpha delta alpha delta ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Jul 05 290 -14 321 -21 15 296 -13 329 -19 316 -10 311 -18 012 +51 25 303 -11 337 -17 323 -09 322 -17 023 +54 Aug 05 312 -09 345 -14 332 -06 334 -15 037 +57 15 318 -06 352 -12 339 -04 345 -13 322 -07 050 +59 25 324 -04 347 -02 355 -11 332 -05 065 +60 Sep 05 343 -03 15 353 -02
Table 5 - Puppid/Velid complex radiant center motion. Date alpha delta Date alpha delta Date alpha delta Date alpha delta ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Oct 10 107 -44 Nov 10 116 -44 Dec 10 132 -44 20 110 -44 20 120 -44 20 137 -44 Sep 30 104 -44 30 113 -44 30 126 -44 30 141 -44
Table 6 - Radiant positions for the Taurids South and North. Date Taurids S Taurids N alpha delta alpha delta ° ° ° ° Sep 15 011 +01 008 +06 20 015 +02 012 +07 30 023 +05 021 +11 Oct 10 031 +08 029 +14 20 039 +11 038 +17 30 047 +13 047 +20 Nov 10 056 +15 058 +22 20 064 +16 067 +24 25 069 +17 072 +24
Table 7 - Working list of daytime radio meteor streams. The ``Best Observed'' columns give the approximate local mean times between which a four- element antenna at an elevation of 45° receiving a signal from a 30-kW transmitter 1000 km away should record at least 85% of any suitably positioned radio-reflecting meteor trails for the appropriate latitudes. Note that this is often heavily dependent on the compass direction in which the antenna is pointing, however, and applies only to dates near the shower's maximum. Shower Activity Maximum Radiant Best Observed ZHR Date lambda alpha delta ° ° ° 50° N 35° S Cap/Sagittarids Jan 13-Feb 04 Feb 01 312.5 299 -15 11h-14h 09h-14h 15 Chi-Capricornids Jan 29-Feb 28 Feb 13 324.7 315 -24 10h-13h 08h-15h 5 Piscids (Apr) Apr 08-Apr 29 Apr 20 030.3 007 +07 07h-14h 08h-13h Delta-Piscids Apr 24-Apr 24 Apr 24 034.2 011 +12 07h-14h 08h-13h Epsilon-Arietids Apr 24-May 27 May 09 048.7 044 +21 08h-15h 10h-14h Arietids (May) May 04-Jun 06 May 16 055.5 037 +18 08h-15h 09h-13h Omicron-Cetids May 05-Jun 02 May 20 059.3 028 -04 07h-13h 07h-13h 15 Arietids May 22-Jul 02 Jun 07 076.7 044 +24 06h-14h 08h-12h 60 Zeta-Perseids May 20-Jul 05 Jun 09 078.6 062 +23 07h-15h 09h-13h 40 Beta-Taurids Jun 05-Jul 17 Jun 28 096.7 086 +19 08h-15h 09h-13h 25 Gamma-Leonids Aug 14-Sep 12 Aug 25 152.2 155 +20 08h-16h 10h-14h Sextantids Sep 09-Oct 09 Sep 27 184.3 152 00 06h-12h 06h-13h 30
Table 8 - Lunar phases for 1995 New Moon J 01 J 30 M 01 M 31 A 29 M 29 J 28 J 27 A 26 S 24 O 24 N 22 D 22 First Quarter J 08 F 07 M 09 A 08 M 07 J 06 J 05 A 04 S 02 O 01 O 30 N 29 D 28 Full Moon J 16 F 15 M 17 A 15 M 14 J 13 J 12 A 10 S 09 O 08 N 07 D 07 Last Quarter J 24 F 22 M 23 A 22 M 21 J 19 J 19 A 18 S 16 O 16 N 15 D 15
Useful addresses
For more information on observing techniques, and when submitting results,
please contact the appropriate IMO Commission Director:
Fireball Data Center : André Knöfel, Saarbrückerstraße 8,
(FIDAC) D-40476 Düsseldorf, Germany.
(e-mail: starex@tron.gun.de)
Photographic Commission: Jürgen Rendtel (ad interim), Gontardstraße 11,
D - 14471 Potsdam, Germany
(e-mail: JRendtel@aip.de)
Radio Commission: Temporarily vacant
Telescopic Commission: Malcolm Currie, 25 Collett Way, Grove, Wantage,
Oxon. OX12 0NT, UK.
(e-mail: mjc@astrophysics.starlink.rutherford.ac.uk)
Visual Commission: Rainer Arlt, Berliner Straße 41, D - 14467 Potsdam,
Germany
(e-mail: 100114.1361@compuserve.com)
For further details on IMO membership, please write to:
Ina Rendtel, IMO Treasurer, Gontardstraße 11
D-14471 Potsdam, Germany.
(e-mail: JRendtel@aip.de)
Please try to enclose return postage when writing to any IMO officials, either
in the form of stamps (same country only) or as an International Reply Coupon
(I.R.C.---available from main postal outlets). Thank you!