Meteors observations by the orbital telescope TUS

Abstract

The TUS (Tracking Ultraviolet Set-up) detector is the first fluorescence telescope aimed to measuring Extensive Air Showers (EAS) from space and operated till December 4th, 2017. Despite the main operation mode with a 0.8 μs temporal resolution of the TUS detector was devoted for EAS detection, also it was able to measure different slower luminescent phenomena in the near ultraviolet range. One of the TUS operation modes had 6.6 ​ms temporal resolution and was used to measure micro-meteors and thunderstorm activity. The high sensitivity of the device due to large area of an optical system, makes it a potentially powerful tool for studying dim and fast glow in the Earth's atmosphere. In this work we present the kinematics reconstruction of 13 events recorded by the TUS during 250 ​h of operation, which possess the expected characteristics produced by a meteor (characteristic linear track and light curve). We discuss the possible source of them and their luminosity. This experience of orbital meteor observations is useful for planning similar research in the future more sensitive space missions. • Reconstruction of meteoroid kinematics measured by orbital detector. • Meteor detection with temporal resolution of milliseconds. • Orbital highly sensitive UV telescope is a powerful detector of weak meteor glow.