Observation by Alex Pratt: 20200723_224732 alpha Capricornid fireba...

Uploaded by

Alex Pratt

Observer

Alex Pratt

Observed

2020 Jul 23 - 21:47

Uploaded

2020 Jul 26 - 09:46

Objects

Meteor

Equipment
  • Watec 902H2 Ultimate video camera
  • Pentax Cosmicar 6mm f/0.75 lens
  • UFO Capture
  • UFO Analyser
Exposure

1/25th sec video frames (1/50th sec video fields)

Location

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Target name

20200723_224732 alpha Capricornid fireball

Title

20200723_224732 alpha Capricornid fireball

About this image

A number of fireballs have been seen over the UK in recent weeks. This one, captured on my Leeds_SE camera, was an alpha Capricornid which trundled up from the radiant, steadily increased in brightness as it passed near Altair, produced a series of flares, culminating in a bright flash of around mag -6 to -8, then continued as a less bright component as it faded. The video can be viewed here

(I will add a ground track and orbit after including data from other video observers).

The alpha Capricornids (CAP) produce low rates during July into early August, displaying relatively slow meteors (geocentric velocity 22 km/s) some of which are impressive fireballs. Their parent body has been identified as asteroid 2002 EX12 / comet 169P/NEAT and its fragmentation is producing an evolving meteor shower worthy of study.

There's plenty of meteor activity at the moment as we build up to the Perseids' maximum on August 11/12.

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