Studies of simultaneous radio, optical and radio signatures of meteors in northern Germany
Abstract
Until recently it was known that meteoroids entering the Earth s atmosphere produce light and transient plasma that expands to a trail due to ambipolar diffusion. The plasma in front of the meteoroid and in the trailcan be observed with radars. It is now known that some meteoroids can also produce natural radio emissionscalled meteor radio afterglows (MRAs). MRAs are observed now frequently with the long wavelength arrays (LWAs) in central US and based on concurrent radio and optical observations, they have been associated to aspecial type of optical meteors called persistent trains. More recently MRAs have been also observed withLOFAR (low frequency array) in western Europe. Despite more MRA observations, the physical mechanismsbehind their occurrence are still not well known. For example, not all PT are accompanied by MRAs or theyappear to be dependent on the meteoroid origin, e.g., to the type of meteor shower. It is thought that turbulence may be key to the emission process, however detailed information of the plasma structure can only be determined with a radar.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2024
- Source ID
- FA86552317017
Entities
People
- Jorge Chau
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force