[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

(meteorobs) Minor Meteor Shower Alert



Minor Meteor Shower Alert

   There is a good chance that the minor meteor shower, the Alpha Triangulids,
also known as the Aries-Triangulids, will put on their best showing since being
discovered in 1993, by three american meteor observers  (Sky and Telescope,
October 1994). See Kronk's web site information on the Alpha Triangulids at:

     http://comets.amsmeteors.org/meteors/showers/aries_triangulids.html

That is because this stream is thought to be periodic, and have a period of
about 6 years, according to comet and meteor expert Gary W. Kronk. Last year,
three observers in Japan (Minor Meteor Shower Circular), independently plotted
activity that was higher than any year since 1994.  See the web story at:

     http://www.din.or.jp/~thashi/Inf1998_09_ST_E.htm

   On the night of September 12/13, 1998, I was able to plot four A-T meteors
in about three hours from dark skies near Mathias, West Virginia, even with 
50% clouds and a last quarter moon the last two hours! The meteors I plotted
came from just south of Alpha Triangulii. Although the sporadic background was
high, the speeds (medium) and trail lengths were correct; making the chance
alignment of sporadic meteors less likely, but not totally improbable. However,
taking the independent Japanese observations from the same area into account,
then makes the possibility of a coinsidental aligment very unlikely.

   The maximum is probably sometime around September 12th. Still, if there is
a minor outburst, only five or six meteors per hour are expected. However,
suprises are not uncommon when you observe meteor showers; so it may be better 
or worse than expected. Observers are encouraged to try to plot any meteors
seen from this minor meteor shower, or better yet, to use a video system. The
conditions will be favorable, with a waxing crescent moon, for the predicted
maximum, which occurs on a weekend! Also, according to observations by three
Italian meteor observers made two years ago (NAMN meteorobs), the A-T meteors 
may start as early as late August, or early September. Observers are asked to
watch this minor meteor shower on as many nights as possible, to help to define
all of the characteristics it has.





To UNSUBSCRIBE from the 'meteorobs' email list, use the Web form at:
http://www.tiacdot net/users/lewkaren/meteorobs/subscribe.html
Follow-Ups: