α-Centaurids (ACE)
Active: January 28–February 21; Maximum: February 8, 05h30m UT (λo = 319 .◦2);
ZHR = variable, usually ~ 6, but may reach 25+;
Radiant: α = 210◦, δ = −59◦; Radiant drift: see Table 6;
V∞ = 56 km/s; r = 2.0.
In theory, the α-Centaurids are one of the main southern summer high points, from past records supposedly producing many very bright, even fireball-class, objects (meteors of at least magnitude −3), commonly with fine persistent trains. However, the average peak ZHR between 1988–2007 was merely 6, albeit coverage has frequently been extremely patchy. Despite this, in 1974 and 1980, bursts of only a few hours’ duration apparently yielded ZHRs closer to 20–30. As with many southern hemisphere sources, we have more questions than answers at present, nor do we have any means of telling when, or if, another stronger event might happen. Consequently, imaging and visual observers are urged to be alert at every opportunity. The radiant is nearly circumpolar for much of the sub-equatorial inhabited Earth, and is at a useful elevation from late evening onwards. The Moon will rise between about midnight and 1 a.m. local time around February 8, but will be just a waning crescent three days past last quarter, so should not be too great a distraction even late in the night. |