Crucids
The Crucids are a group of meteor showers associated with the constellation Crux (the Southern Cross), primarily visible in the Southern Hemisphere.[1] The most notable showers within this group include the Alpha Crucids (α-Crucids), first recorded in the early 20th century,[2] and the Gamma Crucids (γ-Crucids), an unexpected meteor shower discovered in 2021.[3]The Crucids are characterized by meteors with velocities around 55.8 km/s,[4] and are believed to be linked to Halley-type comets.
They typically occur between January and February, though activity levels vary from year to year.
| Crucids | |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈkruːsɪdz/ |
| Discovery date | 1920-1930 (Alpha Crucids) 2021 (Gamma Crucids) |
| Radiant | |
| Constellation | Crux |
| Properties | |
| Occurs during | January-February |
| Date of peak | January 12- 20 (Alpha Crucids) February 14 (Gamma Crucids) |
| Velocity | 55.8 km/s |
| Notable features | Visibility is prominent in the Southern Hemisphere |
Discovery and Observation History
[edit]The Alpha Crucids were first observed in the 1920s and 1930s by astronomers R. McIntosh and C. Hoffmeister.[2]
The Gamma Crucids were first detected in February 2021[5] by low-light video camera networks in Australia, Chile, and New Zealand. Initially considered a previously unknown meteor shower, it was later designated as "IAU#1047" by the International Astronomical Union.
Observations suggest that the γ-Crucids may be linked to a Halley-type comet with a steeply inclined orbit.[1][3]
Characteristics
[edit]Velocity
[edit]Crucid meteors travel at relatively slow speeds, around 55.8 km/s,[4] compared to other meteor showers.
Activity Period
[edit]Alpha Crucids
[edit]Active from January 6 to January 28, with peaks between January 12 and 20.[6]
Gamma Crucids
[edit]First detected in mid-February 2021, with peak activity on February 14.[4]
Radiant Point
[edit]- The α-Crucids radiate from a position near RA = 210.9°, Dec = -58.2°.
- The γ-Crucids radiate from RA = 192.6°, Dec = -56.0°.[7]
Visibility and Observing Conditions
[edit]The Crucid showers are best observed from southern latitudes due to their radiant location near the celestial south pole. Their low meteor rates make them a minor shower, but occasional peaks have been observed. Lunar interference can affect visibility, especially for the α-Crucids in some years.
References
[edit]- ^ a b Lunsford, Robert (1 March 2021). "Meteor Activity from Two New Southern Showers | IMO". Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ a b Artoos, D. (1989). 'Results about enhanced radio meteor activity'. WGN, Vol. 17, Nr. 6, p. 212-213, 17, 212-213
- ^ a b "Outburst of Gamma Crucids in 2021 (GCR, IAU#1047)". eMetN Meteor Journal. 15 February 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ a b c "2024 Meteor Shower List". American Meteor Society. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ Cooper, T. (2021). Recent Southern African Fireball Observations Events# 372-385. MNASSA: Monthly Notes of the Astronomical Society of South Africa, 80(1-2), 20-24.
- ^ "SAAO | Whats Up – January 2023". Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ Jenniskens, P. (2021-03-01). "Outburst of gamma Crucids in 2021 (GCR#1047)". eMeteorNews. 6: 264–264. ISSN 3041-4261.