April Lyrid Meteors
Abstract
Visual observers in Florida and Colorado have reported a brief, unusually intense, return of the April Lyrid meteor stream. At the peak of the display, around Apr. 22d06h50m UT (corresponding to solar longitude 31o.38; cf. for the associated comet 1861 I at epoch 1861.4 Node = 31o.17; equinox 1950.0), these observers recorded 3-5 Lyrids per minute. For the hour centered on the peak the observed hourly rate was ~ 75 (corresponding to ZHR ~ 90-100). The observed hourly rates were less than 20 during the preceding and the following hours. The brightest meteors were of mag -2.0 to -3.0. Observers were N. McLeod, III, Fort Myers, FL; P. Jones, St. Augustine, FL; H. Povenmire, Indian Harbour Beach, FL; T. Schmidt, Colorado Springs, CO; and M. Adams, Palm Bay, FL. Any other observers who witnessed the event are encouraged to forward their observations to M. Adams at P.O. Box 863, Palm Bay, FL 32905, U.S.A.
- Publication:
-
International Astronomical Union Circular
- Pub Date:
- April 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982IAUC.3691....1M