The International Astronomical Union formalized the naming of meteor showers in 2006. Each newly discovered shower now is assigned a unique and officially recognized name, number, and 3-letter code. Close to a thousand possible meteor showers have since been reported, over a hundred in the cause of writing this book. Atlas of Earth's Meteor Showers takes stock of all reported detections by going back to the combined video and radar data in hand at the end of 2021, in order to weed out duplicates and false detections. Maps were created that show the direction of motion of meteors (their radiant) during 5-day and 10-day intervals throughout the year. All 500+ showers recognized are briefly described from their radiant, speed, and orbital elements, and the meteoroid mass distribution index was calculated. Physical properties of the meteoroids were derived from their beginning, peak and end height, from their deceleration in Earth's atmosphere, and from spectroscopic information. Candidate parent bodies are mentioned and the age of the stream was calculated from the dispersions in orbital elements and from the meteor magnitude distribution index. A brief history is given of the shower's discovery, of when features were first recognized, and of results from dynamical modeling, all with references to the literature. - Presents approximately 400 detailed meteor shower maps that show what showers are active on a given night for visual, video, and radar observers - Provides thorough descriptions of each shower that can be used in planetary astronomy and for meteor observing sessions, the discovery of new showers, and planetary defense - Highlights periodic, unusual showers that may be expected on a given night based on past occurrences that are important to satellite hazard avoidance and meteor storm chasing

Atlas of Earth's Meteor Showers includes 900 star maps indicating specific meteor showers observable in our Solar System. The maps are created by plotting the direction from which meteoroids are seen to approach against a star background. Each map shows the annual and periodic meteor showers throughout the year in context, and offers short descriptions of the showers and their parent bodies. For a given two-day time period, two maps are presented that show separate showers, contrast visible and radar showers, and show unusual periodic showers. Shower descriptions are provided via a standard template for quick reference, including information on shower IAU number and code, shower name, type of shower (annual, periodic), date of maximum, period of activity, solar longitude of maximum, period of activity in solar longitudes, radiant drift, geocentric speed, orbital elements, particle size distribution index, dynamical type of shower, estimated age, years of expected outbursts, parent body, and a brief history with literature references. The star maps mirror the SETI CAMS website, but will be annotated with a description of each shower. With the sheer number of known meteor showers and difficulty of using online resources to confirm new detections, understand what showers are active on a given date, and review where we are with understanding their parent body and dynamical history, this book is an invaluable reference toastronomors and researchers of the Solar System. Atlas of Earth's Meteor Showers provides postgraduates, academics, researchers and professionals in space and planetary science with information they require on meteor showers and meteoroid streams observed in our Solar System.

This atlas contains everything you need to know about meteor showers and how to observe them. It begins with the science behind these celestial fireworks, then equips you with all the practical knowledge you’ll need to make the most of these wonderful astronomical events. The book is rich with illustrations, graphs and resources to assist your hobby. In addition, it includes downloadable radiant charts, report sheets, radiant altitude data, plotting charts and more, to help you locate each shower, record its activity and plot individual meteors during your nights of observation. Intended for amateurs of all levels and requiring no special equipment, this accessible Atlas of Meteor Showers will hone your skills and keep you engaged throughout the year, no matter where you are in the world.