SPA Meteor Section results: October-December 2003
Abstract
Analysis and discussion of data sent to the SPA Meteor Section from 2003 October to December are presented. No Draconid outburst was found in early October, despite predictions, with minor radio maxima near this time probably due to the Sextantids instead. A weak radio Orionid peak seems to have been present between October 20 and 23, without a clear single maximum. Mean visual ZHRs were appr. 13+-2 consistently during this time, but were slightly higher on October 19/20 at appr. 16+-2. This latter date also produced a radio peak for Japanese observers. November 18/19 produced the strongest visual Leonid rates, when ZHRs were recorded as variable between appr. 15-65, with an approximate mean for the night of 40+-2. Leonids were present from November 13 to 23, often with ZHRs appr. 15-20. A minority of the radio data indicated a possible Leonid peak on November 13/14 for Europe and North America, with a suggestion this may have been due to brighter meteors (more longer-duration echoes). The strongest Leonid radio response was found on November 19/20, but no more specific timing could be achieved. A weak radio peak on November 21/22 was probably due to a normal alpha-Monocerotid return. The visual Geminids gave good, if moonlit, mean ZHRs on December 13/14 (116 +-6) and 14/15 (88+-5). Radio observations suggested a probable mean Geminid maximum time of 10h55m +- 1h UT on December 14 (solar longitude (eq. 2000.0) = 261.969 deg +- 0.042 deg). There were radio-visual signs that brighter Geminids were more prevalent after the expected maximum, early in the European night of December 14/15. A low Ursid maximum was detected, with radio-visual activity most obvious on December 22/23 (mean ZHRs = 7+-1).
- Publication:
-
WGN, Journal of the International Meteor Organization
- Pub Date:
- December 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005JIMO...33..158M