A scheme to measure velocity vector of a meteor by meteor radar

Abstract

A scheme is proposed to measure velocity vector of a meteoroid with phase information of echoes from meteor radar. It is revealed that the phase variation of interfere signal of the multi-channel signals has a certain relationship with the lateral velocity component by mathematical analysis. Simulation results demonstrate that the velocity vector of a meteor can be inversed with the radial velocity and two lateral velocities using the proposed scheme. Results of two field experimental examples show both the vertical deceleration and acceleration, together with horizontal direction changing abruptly. • Two lateral velocities of meteoroid can be inversed by calculating phase difference of echoes from two pairs of channels. • A simulation was conducted to obtain velocity vector of a meteoroid by the common meteor radar of SKiYMET radar. • The error of inversed velocity vector is only about 2% in simulation results, suggesting the proposed scheme is feasible. • Using proposed scheme, velocity vector of meteoroid was deduced, which could help us better understand meteoroid's movement.