Theoretical and Observational Studies of Meteor Interactions with the Ionosphere
Abstract
An intense flux of small-mass meteors has been seen in large-aperture radar scattering for many years. At high altitudes, these meteoroids routinely damage orbiting satellites by both direct impact as well as spacecraft charging. This flux is believed to make up the major portion of mass flux from space. At lower altitudes, meteoroids affect ionospheric and thermospheric processes by depositing heavy metallic atoms, ions and dust. Preliminary analysis of meteors has shown that meteoroids can disrupt and halt radio communication by creating plasma density structures that are several orders of magnitude greater than those seen in the background ionosphere. To understand this phenomenon better, we have undertaken a theoretical and an observational campaign that is designed to determine empirically the mass flux coupled with a detailed plasma expansion model of the ablating material as the meteors disintegrate in the ionosphere. We will discuss our findings to date as well as our expected future program development in this area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA476971
Entities
People
- John Zinn
- P. Colestock
- S. Close
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory