A possible origin for some ancient December fireballs

Title:              A possible origin for some ancient December
                    fireballs
Authors:            FOX, K.; WILLIAMS, I. P.
Affiliation:        AB(Queen Mary College, London, England)
Journal:            Royal Astronomical Society, Monthly Notices (ISSN
                    0035-8711), vol. 217, Nov. 15, 1985, p. 407-411.
                    SERC-supported research.
Publication Date:   11/1985
Origin:             STI
Category:           Astrophysics
NASA/STI Keywords:  BOLIDES, EVOLUTION (DEVELOPMENT), METEOROID SHOWERS,
                    WINTER, COMETS, FIREBALLS, GEMINID METEOROIDS
Bibliographic Code: 1985MNRAS.217..407F

Abstract

Between the years 1038 and 1099 AD there were reports of 14 impressive fireballs all of which occurred between December 6 and 18. All these fireballs emanated from a single radiant close to RA 103, + 26 deg, indicating a common origin in some stream. In the past, some authors have attempted to associate these ancient fireball observations with the present day Geminid meteor shower, as this is currently seen between the same dates during December. This connection is shown to be impossible on dynamical grounds, and an alternative source of the ancient fireballs, from the Monocerotid stream, is proposed.

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