The 1995 outburst and possible origin of the α-Monocerotid meteoroid stream

Abstract

A short-duration outburst of the α-Monocerotids was observed on 1995 November 22 between 01:15 and 01:45 UT. The highest equivalent zenithal hourly rate (EZHR) occurred in the 5-min interval 01:25-01:30 UT, reaching a value of 420 ± 50. The peak time derived from the available data is 1995 November 22, 01:28 UT ± 3 min, or λ⊙ = 239°. 320 ± 0°. 002 (J2000). The FWHM of the peak as derived from a Gaussian fit to the rate profile amounts to 0°. 016 in solar longitude or 22 min. The population index, r, is found from visual magnitude estimates to be r = 2.36 ± 0.17. The radiant for the shower has been determined from video observations to be α = 117° ± 3°, δ= + 1° ± 2°. The potential orbits associated with this radiant for plausible entry velocities suggest that the shower is not associated with C/1943 W1 (Van Gent-Peltier-Daimaca or 1944 I) as first suggested by Kresák. The most probable parent is a small comet with a 10-yr period and a node very near the Earth. celestial mechanics, stellar dynamics - comets: individual: C/1943 W1 - meteors, meteoroids.