A Field Book of the Stars/Meteoric Showers October to January
METEORIC SHOWERS
OCTOBER TO JANUARY.
| Name of Shower | Date | Radiant Point | Characteristics | Other Dates of Observation |
Location. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ursids | Oct. 4 | Between Great Bear's head and Polaris |
Sw. Sk. | Aug. 20–24 | N. |
| Epsilon Arietids Rich shower 1877 |
Oct. 14 | East of Hamal, near Musca |
M. Sw. | Oct. 11–24, Oct. 30– Nov. 4 |
E. |
| Orionids Fine shower |
Oct. 18 | Near Alhena in Gemini |
After 11 p.m. Sw. Sk. |
Oct. 16–22 | E. |
| Delta Geminids | Oct. 29 | Near Castor and Pollux |
After 10 p.m. v. Sw. Sk. |
Nov. 7, Dec. 4, Oct. 16–22 |
N. E. |
| (e)Taurids.Rich shower in 1886 |
Nov. 2 | About 13° S. E. of Aldebaran |
Sl. B. T. | Nov. 2–3 | E. |
| Leonids Brilliant shower |
Nov. 13 | Near (γ) Leonis In the Sickle |
After midnight. v. Sw. Sk. |
Nov. 12–14 | N. E. |
| Leo Minorids | Nov. 16 | Near (γ) Ursæ Maj., the Great Bear's hind feet |
After 10 p.m. v. Sw. Sk. |
Sept. 15. Oct. 16 |
N. |
| Andromedids. The Bielids. Fine display |
Nov. 27 | Near (γ) Andromedæ | Sl. T. | Nov. 17–23 Nov. 21–28 |
Over-head |
| Taurids | Nov. 30 | Between Capella and (α) Persei |
V. Sw. | Aug. 16 Sept. 15, Nov. 20 |
Over-head |
| Zeta Taurids. Active shower in 1876 |
Dec. 6 | Near the horns of the Bull |
Sl. B. | E. | |
| Geminids. Fine shower |
Dec. 10 | Near Castor | Sw. | Dec. 1-14 | E. |
| Kappa Draconids | Dec. 22 | Near Thuban (α) Draconis |
Sw. Sk. | Nov. 14–23 Dec. 18–29 |
|
| Fire Ball Dates | Nov.29 Dec. 2, 19, 21 |
The Andromedes are usually red, sluggish in their movements, and leave only a small train. Brilliant displays were seen in 1872 and 1885.
The Leonids are characterized by their exceedingly swift flight. They are of a greenish or bluish tint and leave behind them a vivid and persistent train.
In most years the display is not especially noteworthy. Once in thirty-three years they afford an exhibition grand beyond description as in 1833 and 1866.