This is the area of sky from which the meteors of a particular meteor shower, when their paths are projected backwards, appear to have radiated It marks the direction in space from which the meteor stream is approaching the Earth Although meteor shower lists often give the impression that the radiant is a point in the sky, it is in practice an area of sky a few degrees across
Someone who is radiant is so happy that their happiness shows in their face. On her wedding day the bride looked truly radiant. + radiantly ra·di·ant·ly He smiled radiantly and embraced her
The part of the sky from which a particular meteor stream appears to come from Meteor showers are usually named after the constellation in which the radiant originates
Especially, emitting or darting rays of light or heat; issuing in beams or rays; beaming with brightness; emitting a vivid light or splendor; as, the radiant sun
Something that is radiant glows brightly. The evening sun warms the old red brick wall to a radiant glow. + radiantly ra·di·ant·ly The sun was still shining radiantly
the point where the backward prolongation of the meteor trajectory intersect the celestial sphere, or the backwards prolongation of the apparent trails of a given meteor as seen by observers at different locations
1 In optics, the point or object from which light proceeds 2 In geometry, a straight line proceeding from a given point, or fixed pole, about which it is conceived to revolve 3 In astronomy, the point in the heavens from which a shower of meteors seems to proceed