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Ecliptical Radiants

-- [ From: Robert Lunsford * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --

Mr. Gramer,

I am considering asking the I.M.O. to revise its expanded activity
dates of the Virginids and the Sagittarids. Before I present to IMO,
I would like the comments of other knowledgeable observers from across
North America.

Thanks,

Bob Lunsford

The latest I.M.O. meteor shower list has eliminated many minor showers
and extended the activity dates of several others. I was disappointed
to see several of my favorite minor showers go by the wayside. My main
complaint though is that the Virginids and especially the Sagittarids
have been used to "cover" these minor showers. By extending the
activity period of the Virginids back to January 25th, the radiant
position for that date actually lies in western Leo! The case of the
Sagittarids
is even more absurd. The date of beginning activity for this shower is
April 15th. On that date the radiant lies on the Libra-Virgo border
nearly 60 degrees west of Sagittarius. The radiant does not enter the
constellation of Sagittarius until June 25th,  some 10 weeks after
activity commences. 

We know there is a constant, weak source of activity just east of the
opposition point on the ecliptic. This constant radiant is produced by
material interscecting with the earth at a perpendicular angle. Only in
November is this material identified with any comet (Encke). I would
like to propose that the name of this shower change each month
reflecting the actual constellation the radiant is located. The
calendar would look something like this:

January- Delta Cancrids        February- Delta Leonids
March- Virginids               April- Librids
May- Alpha Scorpids            June- Sagittarids
July- Alpha Capricornids       August- Iota Aquarids
September- Piscids             October- Arietids
November- Taurids              December- Chi Orionids

As you can see, many of these are already on the I.M.O. list. This
change would also benefit beginning observers who may question why the
Sagittarids come from Libra.

I would be most interested in your comments.

Robert Lunsford (IMO, ALPO, NAMN, AMS)