Abstract
An ultraviolet-visible spectrum between 300 and 450 nm of a cometary meteoroid that originated from 55P/Tempel-Tuttle was investigated, and its new molecules, induced by atmospheric interaction, were discovered. The spectroscopy was carried out using an intensified high-definition TV camera with a slitless reflection grating during the 2001 Leonid meteor shower over Japan. A best-fit calculation mixed with atoms and molecules confirmed the first discovery of N B 2Σ → X 2Σ bands in the UV meteor spectrum. The N temperature was estimated to be 10,000 K with a low number density of 1.55 × 105 cm-3. Such unexpectedly strong ultraviolet emission, in particular for N (1, 0) at 353.4 nm, is supposed to be formed through the wide dimensions of high-temperature regions caused by a large meteoroid. Spectroscopic observations of reentry capsules will provide us with good opportunities for confirming the discovered N.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
