The meteor-shower complex of 96P/Machholz revisited

Abstract

Aims. The structure of the complex of meteoroid particles released from comet 96P/Machholz is studied to reveal a relationship among the meteor showers observed in the Earth's atmosphere that belong to this complex. Methods. For eight perihelion passages of the parent comet in the past, we model theoretical streams associated with comet 96P and follow their dynamical evolution until the present. Subsequently, we analyze the orbital characteristics of the streams, especially of their parts approaching the Earth's orbit. Results. The dynamics of the stream is controlled by Jupiter, which changes the initial orbits of the particles into the orbits situated within several specific corridors. It thus creates a filamentary structure of the complex. Six filaments approach the orbit of the Earth producing four well-known meteor showers and two showers, whose identification with κ-Velids and α-Cetids is not certain. The known showers, in order of the predicted abundance of meteors, are daytime Arietids, Southern δ-Aquarids, Quadrantids, and Northern δ-Aquarids. The filaments corresponding to the Arietids, δ-Aquarids S and N, and possibly α-Cetids constitute the ecliptical component and those corresponding to the Quadrantids and possibly κ-Velids constitute the toroidal component of the complex. © 2013 ESO.