SPA Meteor Section Results: Preliminary 2003 Quadrantid Report

A preliminary review of observations presented to the SPA Meteor Section during the 2003 Quadrantid epoch is given and discussed. Two possible visual peaks were identified on January 4 at roughly 01h30m UT (lambda=283.22 deg; ZHR = 90+-16) and about 09h30m UT (lambda =283.56 deg; ZHR = 80+-17; eq. 2000.0). Four potential mean radio maxima were found too, centred at approximately January 3, 12+-1 h (in only 33% results, and relatively minor) and 21+-2 h, January 4, 3+-1 h and 10+-2 h UT, lambda=282.65+-0.042 deg, 283.03+-0.085 deg, 283.29+-0.042 deg, and 283.585+-0.085 deg respectively. The strongest maximum occurred in about 70% of datasets during the interval between January 3-4, 19-05 h UT and, reinterpreting the radio data, trying to allow for numerous reception problems in this period, could imply the main Quadrantid maximum happened at a mean time of January 3, 23h15m+-4h UT (lambda = 283.128+-0.17 deg).