Gamma Velids |
Although Cuno Hoffmeister seems to have determined the first
radiant for this shower on January 12, 1938 (RA=132 deg, DECL=-47
deg), this stream was basically ignored until 1979, when members
of the Western Australia Meteor Section (WAMS) began systematic
observations of it.
During 1978-1979, the WAMS continuously observed the skies during
December 19/20 to January 6/7. The first Gamma Velids were noted
on January 1/2, and their numbers reached a ZHR of 8.24±0.81 on
January 6/7. The mean radiant position was given as RA=125 deg,
DECL=-49 deg. Based on 27 observed meteors, it was concluded that
the average meteor magnitude was 2.89, while 3.7% of the meteors
left trains.
Concerning colors, it was estimated that 10% of the meteors were
orange, 10% were yellow, 20% were blue and 60% were white. More
extensive observations during 1979-1980, revealed the Gamma Velid
shower was active during January 1-17, with the mean radiant
being RA=125 deg, DECL=-48 deg. A maximum of 7.06±1.36 was
reached on January 3.
The Author has analyzed observations of the WAMS obtained during
1982-1986, and has concluded that a relatively flat maximum
ranging from 5 to 9 meteors per hour occurs during January 5-8.
It was also apparent that the rise to maximum was fairly rapid,
while the later decline was much slower.
The Southern Hemisphere radar surveys which were conducted at
Adelaide Observatory during 1961 and 1969, did not operate during
the first half of January.
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