[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
Re: (meteorobs) Looking for historic showers
Kinter, other folks with more historical knowledge will hopefully have more
complete responses to your query, but here is what I know of:
There were at least FOUR significant meteor outbursts in the 1800s. The first
was the Lyrid outburst of 19 April 1803 seen over the Eastern US. After that,
the Leonids of 1833 and 1866 both put on incredible (world-changing) displays.
Finally came the famous "Bielids" or Andromedids storm of 1872.
Nov 12/13 1833 was perhaps the greatest example of a "meteor storm" in recent
human history. This is the event your historical sources most likely refer to,
albeit this event was neither in Summer nor in the 1800-1820 range! Otherwise,
maybe 1803's Lyrids are an (early, geographically questionable) candidate? Or
it's even possible that your sources are merely alluding to one of the annual
returns of the always-exciting Perseid meteor shower - the so-called "Tears
of Saint Lawrence", as their Aug 10-13 peak falls near that Saint's festival.
If you'd like to find out MUCH more about the historical detection of meteor
showers, check out Gary Kronk's wonderful "Comets & Meteor Showers" page:
http://www.comets.amsmeteors.org/
and in particular his well-thumbed "Meteor Observing Calendar":
http://www.comets.amsmeteors.org/meteors/calendar.html
Clear skies!
Lew Gramer
To UNSUBSCRIBE from the 'meteorobs' email list, use the Web form at:
http://www.tiacdot net/users/lewkaren/meteorobs/subscribe.html
References: