Meteor Fall Geometry (was Re: Eta Aquarids)

To: meteorobs@latrade.com
Subject: Meteor Fall Geometry (was Re: Eta Aquarids)
From: George Zay <GeoZay@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 11 May 1996 11:34:06 -0400 (EDT)

About Meteors coming from a radiant that is 45 degrees below the horizon.  I
don't have all the math etc behind me to prove this, but it would seem that
for a meteor 45 degrees below the horizon to be visible to an observer, it
would have to curve or turn.  I believe such an actual event is essentially
impossible...that is a meteor curving.  The meteors them selves are too
fragile.  The mechanism to make them change directions is not apparent .
 Besides if there were a strong enough mechanism to change a meteors course
that much, it would probably disintegrate the meteor itself before it was
able to do this. The atmosphere itself wouldn't be able to change a meteors
course without the meteors destruction.

I just got home from a long day at work and now have to participate with a
family outing in our canoe (I call it the titanic).  I hope to be able to
throw my two cents worth later this evening.

George