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(meteorobs) Aries-Triangulids Alert
Experianced meteor observers should try to look for the Aries-Triangulid
meteor shower this weekend. The peak is predicted to be on the 12th or 13th,
but is not certain. It was discovered independently by three american meteor
observer in 1993, and was seen again in 1994, but has been low rates since.
According to both Gary Kronk and Malcolm Currie this stream may be periodic,
with a possible period of 5.5 to 6 year period, based on historic observations
made visually in 1934, 1940, 1951, and 1993. The telescopic shower for the
alpha Triangulids was discovered by Malcolm Currie in 1994.
There seems to be two main radiants, one near alpha Triangulii, which
consists of mostly faint meteors, and another in Aries, which has lower rates
but brighter meteors. The meteors are of medium speed. Observers should plot
to confirm association with either radiant. The moon will be just before half,
but will cause considerable interferance, but it is important to try to see
if this stream is indeed periodic. For more information on this minor meteor
shower go to the web pages at: http://medicine.wustldot edu/~kronkg/index.html,
and http://medicine.wustldot edu/~kronkg/namn/rr4.html.
GWG
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