radiant
Quick Summary
In astronomy, a "radiant" refers to the point in the sky from which meteors in a meteor shower appear to originate. This apparent convergence is similar to how parallel lines seem to meet at a distant point. Meteor showers are named after the constellation containing their radiant. The meteors themselves are small particles, or meteoroids, that burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere, creating visible streaks of light. These meteoroids often originate from comets, shedding debris along their orbital paths around the Sun. When Earth intersects these streams of debris, we observe a meteor shower. While most showers are associated with comets, some may have other origins.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
meteor showerâŠtherein) in which the showerâs radiant is situatedâi.e., the point in the sky from which perspective makes the parallel meteor tracks seem to originate. Some showers have been named for an associated comet; e.g., the Andromedids were formerly called the Bielids, after Bielaâs Comet. The Cyrillid shower of 1913 hadâŠ
Read MoreâŠtherein) in which the showerâs radiant is situatedâi.e., the point in the sky from which perspective makes the parallel meteor tracks seem to originate. Some showers have been named for an associated comet; e.g., the Andromedids were formerly called the Bielids, after Bielaâs Comet. The Cyrillid shower of 1913 hadâŠ
Read More
meteor and meteoroidMeasurement of meteoroid orbits, its radiantâ can be estimated reasonably well by triangulation. To determine the meteoroidâs orbit, however, also requires ascertaining its speed.
Read More, its radiantâ can be estimated reasonably well by triangulation. To determine the meteoroidâs orbit, however, also requires ascertaining its speed.
Read More