Double station and spectroscopic observations of the Quadrantid meteor shower and the implications for its parent body

Abstract

Object 2003 EH 1 was recently identified as the parent body of the Quadrantid meteor shower. The origin of this body is still uncertain. We use data on 51 Quadrantid meteors obtained from double-station video observations as an insight on the parent body properties. A data analysis shows that the Quadrantids are similar to other meteor showers of cometary origin in some aspects, but in others to Geminid meteors. Quadrantid meteoroids have partially lost volatile component, but are not depleted to the same extent as Geminid meteoroids. In consideration of the orbital history of 2003 EH 1 , these results lead us to the conclusion that the parent body is a dormant comet.