On December 6, 2018, a potential outburst of meteors associated with meteoroids released from 3D/Biela comet nucleus in 1649 may occur. Observers are strongly encouraged to monitor the event and report their observations.

For a better shower analysis, best is to use the parameters that have been defined for this source, which was once known as “Andromedids” but is now defined as “December φ-Cassiopeids (DPC)” (see the VMDB Working Meteor Showers list). Note that it’s a good opportunity for all observers to try our new version of the VMDB form using CSV files.

December phi-Cassiopeiids are expected to peak on December 6, 2018, with potential activity enhancement. Observers are encouraged to report their observations using the last designations and parameters defined by the IAU.

December phi-Cassiopeiids (DPC) are expected to peak on December 6, 2018, with potential activity enhancement. Observers are encouraged to report their observations using the last designations and parameters defined by the IAU.

Meteors associated to 3D/Biela have been recently officially designed as December phi-Cassiopeiids (DPC) #446 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Showers parameters are the following:

Code: DPC
Name: December phi-Cassiopeids
Activity period: Dec 01-08
Peak expected date: Dec 06
Peak solar longitude: 254°
Radiant Right Ascension:  24° (01h36m)
Radiant Declination:  +50°
Velocity (km/s): 16 km/s
r: 3.0
ZHR: variable

These parameters, especially the three-letters code DPC should be the parameters used for reporting to help in identifying meteors that are coming from this source. Thanks in advance!

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