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(meteorobs) NAMN Target Showers: June 1997



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NAMN Target Showers: June 1997
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Observers will encounter many minor shower radiants active during the month
of June. The majority of these will be the various ecliptic showers
radiating from the Scorpius - Sagittarius region. The IMO has combined all
of these minor radiants into one broad shower...the Sagittarids. NAMN
members are encouraged to follow suit.

Even with the combined radiants, the Sagittarids only produce a ZHR of
around 5 at best. Some particulars on them are:

Sagittarids (SAG)
Active: April 15 - July 15
Maximum: Several
Population Index: 2.5
Velocity: 30 km/s
Radiant Positions:
          June 04: 260 -23
          June 14: 269 -23
          June 24: 279 -23



Also be sure to keep an eye out for a repeat of last year's activity from a
possible radiant known as the Xi Draconids. This radiant, located at 
RA=280 degrees (18 hours 40 minutes), DEC=+54 degrees, was observed in 1996
by six individuals in the United States and Europe, including two NAMN
members. The observations were made between June 12 and 18. Research by Gary
Kronk has revealed no trace of the radiant prior to 1931, but 10 visual
radiants, possibly as many as 19 photographic meteor orbits, and 11
radio-echo meteor orbits since 1931. Especially notable are the three visual
radiants detected during 1931 from Europe and the United States. The
duration seems to extend from June 2 to 23, but despite all of the data, the
maximum can not be pinpointed any better than Solar longitude 81 to 85
degrees, which will occur within the period of June 12 to 16 in 1997.
Although the radiant is circumpolar, it will pass through the zenith around
midnight. The moon will be full on June 20, so morning observations around
the time of maximum are favored. This radiant is desparately in need of more
observations.

For more information, or to obtain blank meteor report forms, please contact
me at the address below.

Good luck!

Mark Davis
MeteorObs@charlestondot net
Awendaw, South Carolina, USA
Coordinator, North American Meteor Network
Assistant Coordinator, ALPO Meteors Section
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Visit the NAMN home page at:
	http://medicine.wustldot edu/~kronkg/namn.html
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