Search for OH( A–X) and detection of [formula omitted]( B–X) in ultraviolet meteor spectrum

Abstract

An ultraviolet–visible spectrum between 300 and 450 nm of a cometary meteoroid originated from 55P/Tempel-Tuttle was investigated. The spectroscopy was carried out an intensified high definition TV camera with a slit-less 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 2 + B 2 Σ u + → X 2 Σ g + bands in the UV meteor spectrum. N 2 + temperature was estimated to 10,000 K with a low number density of 1.55 × 10 5 cm −3. We also discuss the possibility that enhanced emissions in a meteor and a train around 310 nm are caused by the band head of OH A 2Σ + → X 2Π. Since cometary dust may have contributed organics and water to the Earth from its early period until now, OH A– X (0, 0) must be investigated.