Crucids

The Crucids are a group of meteor showers associated with the constellation Crux (the Southern Cross), primarily visible in the Southern Hemisphere.^[1] The most notable showers within this group include the Alpha Crucids (α-Crucids), first recorded in the early 20th century,^[2] and the Gamma Crucids (γ-Crucids), an unexpected meteor shower discovered in 2021.^[3]The Crucids are characterized by meteors with velocities around 55.8 km/s,^[4] and are believed to be linked to Halley-type comets.

Crucids
Pronunciation	/ˈkruːsɪdz/
Discovery date	1920-1930 (Alpha Crucids) 2021 (Gamma Crucids)
Radiant
Constellation	Crux
Properties
Occurs during	January–February
Date of peak	January 12- 20 (Alpha Crucids) February 14 (Gamma Crucids)
Velocity	55.8 km/s
Notable features	Visibility is prominent in the Southern Hemisphere
See also: List of meteor showers

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.^[2]

The Gamma Crucids were first detected in February 2021^[5] 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.^[1][3]

Characteristics

Velocity

Crucid meteors travel at relatively slow speeds, around 55.8 km/s,^[4] compared to other meteor showers.

Activity Period

Alpha Crucids

Active from January 6 to January 28, with peaks between January 12 and 20.^[6]

Gamma Crucids

First detected in mid-February 2021, with peak activity on February 14.^[4]

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°.^[7]

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.