The Crucids are a group of meteor showers associated with the constellation Crux (the Southern Cross), primarily visible in the Southern Hemisphere. The most notable showers within this group include the Alpha Crucids (α-Crucids), first recorded in the early 20th century,Artoos, D. (1989). 'Results about enhanced radio meteor activity'. WGN, Vol. 17, Nr. 6, p. 212-213, 17, 212–213 and the Gamma Crucids (γ-Crucids), an unexpected meteor shower discovered in 2021. The Crucids are characterized by meteors with velocities around 55.8 km/s, 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.
Discovery The Alpha Crucids were first observed in the 1920s and 1930s by astronomers R. McIntosh and C. Hoffmeister.
The Gamma Crucids were first detected in February 2021Cooper, 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. 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.
Characteristics
Velocity Crucid meteors travel at relatively slow speeds, around 55.8 km/s, compared to other meteor showers.
Activity Period
Alpha Crucids Active from January 6 to January 28, with peaks between January 12 and 20.
Gamma Crucids First detected in mid-February 2021, with peak activity on February 14.
Radiant Point
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°.Jenniskens, P. (2021-03-01). "Outburst of gamma Crucids in 2021 (GCR#1047)". eMeteorNews. 6: 264–264. ISSN 3041–4261.
Observation 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
External links
Meteor shower list – 2024