α-Capricornids 3 Ιουλίου - 15 Αυγούστου (29 Ιουλίου Max)

[Bi2L]

α-Capricornids (CAP)

 

Active: July 3 — August 15

Maximum: July 29 (λsol = 127°)

ZHR = 4

Radiant: α = 307° δ = -10°

Radiant drift: see Table 6

vinf = 23 km/s; r = 2.5

TFC: α = 255° to 000° δ = 00° to +15°

choose pairs separated by about 30° in α (β < 40° N)

IFC: α = 300° δ = +10° (β > 45° N)

α = 320° δ = -05° (β 0° to 45° N)

α = 300° δ = -25° (β < 0°)

 

The α-Capricornids and SDA were both definitely detected visually in former years, standing out against the much weaker other radiants supposed active in Capricornus-Aquarius then. Whether the CAP can still be detected separately from the new ANT radiant area remains to be discovered, as its radiant now partly overlaps that of the large ANT oval region. In their favour, CAP meteors are noted for being bright, at times even of fireball-class, which, combined with their low apparent velocity, can make some of these objects among the most impressive and attractive an observer could wish for. A minor enhancement of CAP ZHRs to ~ 10 was noted in 1995 by European IMO observers. More recent results suggest the maximum may continue for an extra day, so perhaps from July 29 — 30 this year.