Meteor Showers Research Articles

Development of meteor astronomy at the Odessa University during the period of Ukraine's independence

The article using the methods of bibliographic and source study analysis and systems approach highlights the state and main trends in the development of meteor astronomy in Odessa during the time of independent Ukraine. At the beginning of the 21st century, continuous meteor patrol was restored at the Odessa Astronomical Observatory, which was intensively conducted at the Observatory during Soviet times. It was based on the use of the television and telescopic method, which was used in the CIS for the first time. The advantages of using the television telescopic method in comparison with the photographic and radar methods for solving the fundamental problems of meteor astronomy are noted. The text gives valuable information on the features of continuous meteor patrols at the observation station Kryzhanovka and the work of the expeditionary automatic meteor patrol on Snake Island (Odessa region, Ukraine). The methods of conducting telescopic television observations and processing observational material developed by Odessa researchers are considered. The main directions of meteoric studies conducted in the Odessa Astronomical Observatory using television meteor patrol materials were determined. Studying the physics of meteoric phenomena, obtaining exact coordinates of individual meteor radiant, spectral observations of meteors, studying double and multiple meteors, studying the structure and density of meteoric dust particles, solving interaction problems meteor showers with the Earth’s atmosphere, statistics of meteor phenomena in the Earth’s atmosphere are the main directions of meteoric studies of Odessa Astronomical Observatory. The scientific potential of Yu. M. Gorbanev in the field of meteor astronomy of, the leader of the meteoric group, O. V. Holubaieva, the head of the meteor's television patrol at the Kryzhanovka observation station in 2003-2011, as well as participation in the meteor research S. H. Kimakovskyi, I. I. Kimakovskyi, S. V. Podlesniak, I. A. Stognieieva, L. A. Saresta, A. F. Prinzykov, V. A. Shestopalov, etc are noted. Conclusions are drawn about the importance of conducting meteoric research for the development of fundamental and applied science.

Rising from Ashes or Dying Flash? The Mega Outburst of Small Comet 289P/Blanpain in 2013∗

Abstract Jupiter-family comet 289P/Blanpain was first discovered in 1819 and was then lost for ∼200 years, only to be rediscovered in 2003 as a small, weakly active comet. The comet is associated with the Phoenicids, an otherwise minor meteor shower that produced significant outbursts in 1956 and 2014. The shower points to the existence of significant mass-loss events of P/Blanpain in recent history. P/Blanpain was recovered during an apparent large outburst in 2013 July at an appreciable heliocentric distance of 3.9 au, with brightness increase of 9 mag, making it one of the largest comet outbursts ever observed. Here we present an analysis of archival data taken by several telescopes. We find that the 2013 outburst has produced ∼108 kg of dust, which accounts for a modest fraction (∼1%) of the mass of P/Blanpain’s nucleus as measured in 2004. Based on analysis of long-term light curve and modeling of coma morphology, we conclude that the 2013 outburst was most likely driven by the crystallization of amorphous water ice triggered by a spin-up disruption of the nucleus. A dust dynamical model shows that a small fraction of the dust ejecta will reach the Earth in 2036 and 2041, but are only expected to produce minor enhancements to the Phoenicid meteor shower. The 2013 outburst of P/Blanpain, though remarkable for a comet of small size, does not necessary imply a catastrophic disruption of the nucleus. The upcoming close encounter of P/Blanpain in 2020 January will provide an opportunity to examine the current state of the comet.

Dust Production of Comet 21P/Giacobini–Zinner throughout Its 2018 Apparition

Abstract We present the results of a long-term telescopic observation campaign of comet 21P/Giacobini–Zinner, parent body of the Draconid meteor shower, spanning ∼240 days during its 2018 apparition. Determinations of comet 21P’s dust production rate through the Afρ parameter derived from these images show that the comet had a highly asymmetric dust production rate that peaked ∼10–30 days before perihelion, when the comet was at a heliocentric distance of ∼1.02–1.08 au. The single highest Afρ measurement occurred on 2018 August 14 (27 days before perihelion), and had a measured value of Afρ = 1594 cm. The comet’s Afρ profile is well described by a double-exponential model that rises rapidly during ingress and declines even more rapidly during its egress. These results are fully consistent with observations of comet 21P’s dust and gas production rates during past apparitions, and suggest that the double-exponential model we have derived provides a reasonable and stable approximation for the comet’s activity over the past 30 to 40 years.

How holistic interactive experience can inspire the younger generation through voluntary engagement

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This paper discusses the importance of delivering STEM education as an integrated applied interdisciplinary approach to learning. Such a holistic interactive experience can inspire the younger generation to get interested in STEM. This learning approach can be greatly enhanced through being exposed to real life experiences, projects and activities, where STEM plays a pivotal role.Many astronauts, scientists, and engineers working in aerospace and the space industry were inspired to follow such careers because at some early stage of their lives they witnessed a pivotal life changing event which could have only been possible to comprehend or realise through the integrated utilization of STEM. This may have been a natural phenomenon, such as witnessing a solar eclipse or a meteor shower, while some are man-made, such as the first man in space orbiting the Earth or the first humans to land on the Moon. All of these experiences would have had a powerful effect in igniting the imagination of a young child or student. For example, Neil Alden Armstrong at the age of six took his first airplane ride. He was so intrigued by this experience on this marvel of an invention that it made him determined to become a pilot. In an indirect way it drove him to want to learn STEM, which are essential if you want to become a proficient aviator. Of course we all know now that if it wasn't for that inspiration, Armstrong may have never set his foot on the Moon to become the first human to do so.The United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAE SA) endeavours to play a big part in building a bright and exciting future for the UAE nation. This it has already started to do by focusing on the UAE younger generation which it considers as the most valuable resources. The aim is to set the sound foundation for a knowledge and technology based society. The approach is to set up a variety of Space related programs that inspire the students from an early age and motivate them to study STEM. Most importantly these programs are designed to empower them with knowledge, teaching them creative and innovative ways of thinking. These its space exploration and space based experimentation programs as platform in which students can get involved through holistic interactive hands on experiences covering all the fields of STEM. It is a well-known fact that involving all your senses in an activity enhances your experience and knowledge. In this way knowledge is retained, providing an extended background to solving problems and the insight towards future discoveries and developments.Examples of the UAE Space Agency Space related activities designed to encourage the engagement of student in STEM are:This paper will explain the objectives, phases, and the outcomes of running these types of activities and how they inspire the younger generation through exposure to these real life examples where STEM plays an essential role.

Physical characterization of 2009 WN25: exploring the link with November i-Draconids meteor shower

Physical characterization of 2009 WN25: exploring the link with November i-Draconids meteor shower

A Decade of Sporadic Meteoroid Mass Distribution Indices in the Southern Hemisphere Derived from SAAMER’s Meteor Observations

Abstract We present determinations of the meteoroid differential mass index, s, using over a decade of meteor observations from the Southern Argentina Agile MEteor Radar (SAAMER). For this, we employ an autonomous statistical technique to determine this parameter from the measured radar echo amplitudes. Unlike previous studies, we examine the role of the system noise in the determination of this parameter and found that if not taken into account appropriately, the results can yield significant over estimations of the mass index. In general we found that a value of s = 2.0 represents SAAMER’s results in general agreement with recent studies performed in the northern hemisphere. We explore both the index interannual and seasonal variability and, unlike previous studies, we found them to be constant, except during the presence of the Southern δ Aquariids meteor shower which is so strong that it dominates the meteor counts when present. Our study suggests that using the maximum echo amplitude for these studies is not ideal as it can be biased by many factors which make the inaccuracies larger than the precision estimated by the fitting routine. A method that results in a more direct estimate of the electron line density would be required which takes into account range, gain pattern, system noise, etc.

A Mathematical Model for Simulating Meteor Showers

This paper presents a mathematical model to simulate the trajectory of a meteor as seen by a single observer located anywhere on Earth. Our strategy is to define a new coordinate system, called Radiant Coordinate System, which is centered on the observer and has its z-axis aligned with the radiant. This new coordinate system allows us to describe the meteors’ path by applying a reduced number of equations in a simple solution. We also present a computational implementation of this model, which is developed as a new plug-in of Stellarium, a free and open-source planetarium software. Moreover, we show that our model can be used to simulate both meteor showers and sporadic meteors. In particular, meteor showers are simulated using data provided by real catalogs.

A Mathematical Model for Simulating Meteor Showers

This paper presents a mathematical model to simulate the trajectory of a meteor as seen by a single observer located anywhere on Earth. Our strategy is to define a new coordinate system, called Radiant Coordinate System, which is centered on the observer and has its z-axis aligned with the radiant. This new coordinate system allows us to describe the meteors’ path by applying a reduced number of equations in a simple solution. We also present a computational implementation of this model, which is developed as a new plug-in of Stellarium, a free and open-source planetarium software. Moreover, we show that our model can be used to simulate both meteor showers and sporadic meteors. In particular, meteor showers are simulated using data provided by real catalogs.

Possibility of astronomical phenomena to be used to support tourism industry

Several astronomical events in the past have shown their potential to attract tourists. This motivates some astronomers and tourism activists to create tourism related events when an interesting astronomical phenomenon occur. The most attractive recent astronomical phenomenon for tourists was the solar eclipse as was proven during the total solar eclipse of March 9, 2016. Similarly, other phenomena such as the lunar eclipse, meteor shower, Mars Opposition have some potential to be exploited as events to attract tourists. Belitong Geopark had organized a sky observation event, for example super blue blood moon event on January 31, 2018 and Mars opposition event on July 21, 2018. It successfully drew attention far and wide, but it needed more effort and creativity to make these events more attractive and marketable. Other cultural heritage sites which contain inherent astronomical tie-in knowledge, such as Borobudur Temple, are also strong prospective to be developed for astro-tourism destinations. In the future, astro-tourism permanent facilities may be developed, for example, sky observation facilities for amateurs in Dark Sky National Park, near Mount Timau National Observatory in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara Province.

EVITANDO LA LEY DE MURPHY SOBRE LA DETECCIÓN DE METEOROS

It is known that when a meteoroid has been imaged by two or more stations, its atmospheric trajectory can be inferred. In addition to this, if the velocity of the meteor has been measured, then the magnitude, the photometric mass and its orbital elements can be computed. Hence, meteor detection networks have a large number of stations. Unfortunately, weak meteors are only imaged by the nearest station, since the brightness decreases with the square of the distance. On the other hand, Murphy’s law can act in the event of brilliant meteors and fireballs: “In a station it was cloudy. In another, the fireball was hidden under the horizon. A third was out of order due to an electrical power failure, and the other was under maintenance, etcetera.” Do not panic. In this work we present some methods to obtain information from a meteor seen from a single station, if it has been possible to associate it with a meteor shower. In this work, CCD images gathered by the robotized networks of the Sociedad Malague˜na de Astronom´ıa (Aznar 2016) and the BOOTES-1 and -2 observatories have been used (Castro-Tirado et al. 2008).

Collisions of Asteroids: Asteroid (596) Sheila

Among the small bodies of the Solar System, at present, a group of bodies, called comets of the main belt, exhibiting dynamic and/or physical properties of both comets and asteroids is distinguished. One of the reasons for such manifestations may be collisions with other bodies. Asteroid (596) Sheila is one of the bodies belonging to the group of comets of the main belt. The study of its dust coma made it possible to estimate the relative velocity of the collision and the size of the body-impactor. In this paper, we searched for a possible impactor among known asteroids, comets, and meteor showers. A real of such a type body was not found, although it could be a fragment of a possible meteor shower of comet 232P/Hill. The performed simulation of close approaches of the asteroid (596) with fictitious bodies shows that the asteroid and the comet could be such an impactor. An estimate was made of the possible change in the velocity of the asteroid (596) as a result of a collision using its positional observations. 3456 observations from February 22, 1906 to the present have been used. However, the accuracy of determining the components of the change in velocity, about 1 mm s−1, turned out to be insufficient for the confident determination of such a change.

Спектральный анализ неприливных вариаций силы тяжести

Приведены результаты спектрального анализа неприливных вариаций силы тяжести в г. Бишкек (Кыргызстан) в год спокойного Солнца (2018 г.). Предварительно неприливные вариации были разделены на локальную и осредненную части. Анализ проведен отдельно для исходных значений вариаций, локальной и осредненной частей. Все выбросы значений вариаций за пределы средних значений колебаний исключены. Выбросы вариаций связаны преимущественно с землетрясениями. Исключение выбросов показало, что амплитудные спектры практически на протяжении всего года не меняются. Вероятно, остаточные вариации связаны с собственными колебаниями атмосферы, которые по большей части своей определяются метеорными потоками.

Construction of a meteor orbit calculation system for comprehensive meteor observation at Kochi University of Technology

The development of a Ham-band Radio meteor Observation (HRO) Interferometer (IF) at Kochi University of Technology began in 2003. Meteor orbit calculation system uses multi-site radio observation with global positioning system (GPS) timing combined with 5 channel (5 ch) interferometer. The HRO-IF utilizes forward-scattering of 53.750 MHz continuous radio waves transmitted from the Sabae station, realized in 2012. Since the last development, the observation data has been used to study the upper atmosphere from the meteor phenomenon. Here, we introduce the results of the 2015 Geminid meteor shower recorded by forward-scatter multi-site observations as a low-cost and low-power 24/7 continuous meteor observation system, as well as the concept of a comprehensive radio meteor orbit calculation system. As a result, 20 examples of Geminid meteor shower events with 3 levels of noise signal classification recorded in our observations. The predicted Geminid meteor shower speed is about 34 ± 8.86 km/s based on the average value of 12 meteor shower data group in the minimum noise signal category (class A).

Debris of Asteroid Disruptions Close to the Sun

The under-abundance of asteroids on orbits with small perihelion distances suggests that thermally-driven disruption may be an important process in the removal of rocky bodies in the Solar System. Here we report our study of how the debris streams arise from possible thermally-driven disruptions in the near-Sun region. We calculate that a small body with a diameter $\gtrsim0.5$ km can produce a sufficient amount of material to allow the detection of the debris at the Earth as meteor showers, and that bodies at such sizes thermally disrupt every $\sim2$ kyrs. We also find that objects from the inner parts of the asteroid belt are more likely to become Sun-approacher than those from the outer parts. We simulate the formation and evolution of the debris streams produced from a set of synthetic disrupting asteroids drawn from Granvik et al. (2016)'s near-Earth object population model, and find that they evolve 10--70 times faster than streams produced at ordinary solar distances. We compare the simulation results to a catalog of known meteor showers on Sun-approaching orbits. We show that there is a clear overabundance of Sun-approaching meteor showers, which is best explained by a combining effect of comet contamination and an extended disintegration phase that lasts up to a few kyrs. We suggest that a few asteroid-like Sun-approaching objects that brighten significantly at their perihelion passages could, in fact, be disrupting asteroids. An extended period of thermal disruption may also explain the widespread detection of transiting debris in exoplanetary systems. Data and codes that generate the figures and main results of this work are publicly available on 10.5281/zenodo.2547298 and https://github.com/Yeqzids/near-sun-disruptions.

Morphology of Martian Low‐Altitude Ionospheric Layer: MGS Observations

AbstractAn analysis of the entire data set of 5,600 electron density profiles returned by Mars Global Surveyor's Radio Science Experiment is carried out to study the physical characteristics of Martian low‐altitude plasma layer (M layer). Our analysis suggests that this layer is predominantly observed during low and moderate solar activity periods, in northern autumn. The critical ionospheric parameters (electron density and height) of this M layer are found not to show a definitive correlation with solar zenith angle. In contrast to earlier reports where meteoroid ablation was proposed to cause total electron content (TEC) enhancements, we report that the maximum contribution from this layer (TECM) is only about 5.5%, while the contribution is 3.7% during predicted meteor shower, suggesting that M layer occurrence does not depend upon meteor shower nor on dust storm. It is observed that the M layer occurrence increases as the Martian E region becomes prominent and well defined, suggesting that the source which causes M layer possibly leads to more pronounced E layers. Southern hemisphere profiles were found to behave differently from northern hemisphere profiles, possibly due to crustal magnetic fields. Large surges observed in Martian F1 layer peak height during consecutive occultations (~2 hr apart) are found not to show any correlation with the occurrence of M layer and are not influenced by dust storms.

Meteoroid-stream complex originating from comet 2P/Encke

Aims. We present a study of the meteor complex of the short-period comet 2P/Encke. Methods. For five perihelion passages of the parent comet in the past, we modeled the associated theoretical stream. Specifically, each of our models corresponds to a part of the stream characterized with a single value of the evolutionary time and a single value of the strength of the Poynting–Robertson effect. In each model, we follow the dynamical evolution of 10 000 test particles via a numerical integration. The integration was performed from the time when the set of test particles was assumed to be ejected from the comet’s nucleus up to the present. At the end of the integration, we analyzed the mean orbital characteristics of those particles that approached the Earth’s orbit, and thus created a meteor shower or showers. Using the mean characteristics of the predicted shower, we attempted to select its real counterpart from each of five considered databases (one photographic, three video, and one radio-meteor). If at least one attempt was successful, the quality of the prediction was evaluated. Results. The modeled stream of 2P approaches the Earth’s orbit in several filaments with the radiant areas grouped in four cardinal directions of ecliptical showers. These groups of radiant areas are situated symmetrically with respect to the apex of the Earth’s motion around the Sun. Specifically, we found that showers #2, #17, #156, #172, #173, #215, #485, #624, #626, #628, #629, #632, #634, #635, #636, and #726 in the IAU-MDC list of all showers are dynamically related to 2P. In addition, we found five new 2P-related showers in the meteor databases considered.

Enhanced flux of extraterrestrial 3He across the Permian\u2013Triassic boundary

The ca 252 Ma Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB) represents the most severe mass extinction event of the Phanerozoic, with the disappearance of ~ 80% of marine invertebrate species. Large-scale eruption of the Siberian Traps is the commonly favored cause, although the link between volcanism and extinction remains debated. Here, we report evidence for an extraterrestrial 3He influx in the PTB section of deep-sea bedded cherts from Japan. This unusual signal indicates a significant increase in the influx of interplanetary dust particles, likely related to an asteroid shower in the inner solar system. High-resolution stratigraphy indicates that the peak flux of dust particles occurred during the final 500 kyr of the Permian, concurrent with a pre-extinction decline in radiolarian diversity.

A robust method to identify meteor showers new parent bodies from the SonotaCo and EDMOND meteoroid orbit databases

Context. Several new meteor showers are added to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) list of meteor showers every year. Given the multiplication of video meteor measurements new parent bodies are to be found in addition to new showers. Such an endeavor is usually performed by comparing orbital elements, using a high threshold single-linking Dsh-criterion. However, questions remain about the accuracy of the method and the veracity of the newly associated parent bodies. Aims. Our goal is to find the presence of new parent bodies in a statistical meaningful way. Methods. A search for parent bodies was performed among SonotaCo and EDMOND databases. The association of asteroids with meteors was based on different methods, discussed and compared below. In addition, a thorough statistical test was performed in order to investigate the possible random associations. Results. A list of potential new parent bodies associated with at least 50 meteors is found. A statistical test was used to show whether the group of meteor orbits and the asteroid is a random coincidence or not. Out of 54 potential new parent bodies, only three new parent bodies are not excluded by the statistical test: 2014 BN14, 2015 TX24 and 2015 QT3, with a probability of chance occurrence of 37, 10 and 13%, respectively. This shows the need for rigorous method when searching for the existence of meteor showers and parent bodies. Conclusions. Ideally, such a test (or even better, tests) should be conducted in order to confirm (or not) the current IAU list of meteor showers. Similarly, all meteor orbit data in our databases should ideally be revisited using the latest methods providing a better estimate of the real uncertainty and accuracy of the derived orbits.

Statistics of South Delta-Aquariids (SDA) meteor showers registered at UNIVAP in 2017 and 2018

Abstract Meteor showers, seen at regular and frequent intervals, occur when the Earth crosses the orbit of a comet and many small dust particles enter the Earth's atmosphere. In this paper we compare the Southern Delta-Aquariids (SDA) shower recorded by the UVP1 and UVP2 meteor monitoring stations in the Southeastern of Brazil, in 2017 and 2018. These stations are affiliated with EXOSS Citizen Science meteor monitoring network. The SDA meteor shower represented the most active radiant in these two years of data recorded by these stations. 27 detections were achieved in 2017 (between July 12 and August 24) and 15 detections in 2018 (between July 18 and August 20). The meteor properties highlighted and compared throughout the present text are: duration, apparent magnitude and angular velocity. We used estimations provided by the UFOAnalyzer program, since there is no doubled captures from diverse stations far separated. This article helps to highlight the importance of the EXOSS project, aligned with the concept of citizen science, valuing the partnership between amateur astronomers and professional scientists in data collection and wide dissemination of knowledge related to the science of meteors. This work is the result of two scientific initiation projects, with an educational cooperation between the Universidade do Vale do Paraiba (UNIVAP) and the Instituto Federal de Educacao, Ciencia e Tecnologia de Sao Paulo campus Sao Jose dos Campos (IFSP-SJC).

The early antidepressant-like effect of deep brain stimulation: Patterns of activity and their modulation by analgesics

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This paper discusses the importance of delivering STEM education as an integrated applied interdisciplinary approach to learning. Such a holistic interactive experience can inspire the younger generation to get interested in STEM. This learning approach can be greatly enhanced through being exposed to real life experiences, projects and activities, where STEM plays a pivotal role.Many astronauts, scientists, and engineers working in aerospace and the space industry were inspired to follow such careers because at some early stage of their lives they witnessed a pivotal life changing event which could have only been possible to comprehend or realise through the integrated utilization of STEM. This may have been a natural phenomenon, such as witnessing a solar eclipse or a meteor shower, while some are man-made, such as the first man in space orbiting the Earth or the first humans to land on the Moon. All of these experiences would have had a powerful effect in igniting the imagination of a young child or student. For example, Neil Alden Armstrong at the age of six took his first airplane ride. He was so intrigued by this experience on this marvel of an invention that it made him determined to become a pilot. In an indirect way it drove him to want to learn STEM, which are essential if you want to become a proficient aviator. Of course we all know now that if it wasn't for that inspiration, Armstrong may have never set his foot on the Moon to become the first human to do so.The United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAE SA) endeavours to play a big part in building a bright and exciting future for the UAE nation. This it has already started to do by focusing on the UAE younger generation which it considers as the most valuable resources. The aim is to set the sound foundation for a knowledge and technology based society. The approach is to set up a variety of Space related programs that inspire the students from an early age and motivate them to study STEM. Most importantly these programs are designed to empower them with knowledge, teaching them creative and innovative ways of thinking. These its space exploration and space based experimentation programs as platform in which students can get involved through holistic interactive hands on experiences covering all the fields of STEM. It is a well-known fact that involving all your senses in an activity enhances your experience and knowledge. In this way knowledge is retained, providing an extended background to solving problems and the insight towards future discoveries and developments.Examples of the UAE Space Agency Space related activities designed to encourage the engagement of student in STEM are:This paper will explain the objectives, phases, and the outcomes of running these types of activities and how they inspire the younger generation through exposure to these real life examples where STEM plays an essential role.