A survey is made of recent papers on the physics of meteor entry. The various regimes of luminous flight are defined, and present techniques for obtaining the mass and density of meteoroids are critically discussed. The effect of the assumed mode of heat transfer on the mass loss is shown for two recent fireballs. A relatively simple method for estimating original mass and velocity is presented. It is evident from this paper that many questions remain to be answered, particularly those concerning radiation from the gas and ablated material, before the entry of objects larger than those which produce telescopic meteors can be successfully analyzed. (Author).
This volume by an astrophysics pioneer concerns the phenomena occurring during the flight of meteors through the terrestrial atmosphere. Beginning with a historical view of the study of meteor activity, the text examines atmospheric conditions and the classification and physico-chemical properties of meteors. Also includes meteoroid energy transfer, ablation, atomic collisions, and meteor radiation.
Hypersonic Meteoroid Entry Physics gives an overview of meteoroid atmospheric entry. It includes meteoroid observation in the outer space, the recovery of meteors on the earth surface and meteorite chemical analysis. For astrophysicists and aerospace engineering communities, this book will deliver a comprehensive overview of meteoroid atmospheric entry.
Hypersonic Meteoroid Entry Physics gives an overview of meteoroid atmospheric entry. It includes meteoroid observation in the outer space, the recovery of meteors on the earth surface and meteorite chemical analysis. For astrophysicists and aerospace engineering communities, this book will deliver a comprehensive overview of meteoroid atmospheric entry.
"Meteoric phenomena" is the accepted term for the complex of physi cal phenomena that accompany the entry of meteoric bodies into the at mosphere of the earth (or of any planet). "Meteoric bodies" are usually defined as cosmic bodies observed by optical or radar techniques, when they enter the atmosphere. The limiting sensitivity of present-day radar equipment makes it possible to record meteors of up to stellar magnitude +14, while the most brilliant bolides may reach magnitude -19. On a mass 7 7 scale this corresponds approximately to a range of 10- to 10 g. How ever, met~or astronomy is also concerned with larger objects, namely crater-forming meteorites, or objects that cause large-scale destruction when they arrive through the atmosphere (an example is the Tunguska River meteorite). Consideration of the interaction of such objects with 12 the terrestrial atmosphere extends the mass range to 10 g. On the other hand, scientists studying fragmentation processes in meteoric bod 7 ies have to consider particles with masses less than 10- g, and the use of data from meteoric-particle counters on rockets and artificial satel lites, from microcraters on the lunar surface, and from noctilucent clouds 12 lowers the minimum mass to 10- g. Therefore, the mass range of meteoric bodies, or meteoroids, encompasses 24 orders of magnitude. Although recent years have witnessed considerable development in meteor research, both in the Soviet Union and elsewhere, the main mono graphs on meteor physics were published twenty or more years ago.
This definitive guide provides advanced students and researchers with a detailed yet accessible overview of all of the central topics of meteor science. Leading figures from the field summarise their active research on themes ranging from the physical composition of meteoroids to the most recent optical and radar observations and ongoing theoretical developments. Crucial practical issues are also considered, such as the risk posed by meteoroids - to spacecraft, and on the ground - and future avenues of research are explored. Taking advantage of the latest dynamical models, insights are offered into meteor flight phenomena and the evolution of meteoroid streams and complexes, as well as describing the in-depth laboratory analysis of recovered material. The rapid rate of progress in twenty-first-century research makes this volume essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand how recent developments broaden our understanding of meteors, meteoroids and their origins.
This volume contains leading edge research and authoritative reviews in meteor science. It provides a comprehensive view of meteoroid research including the dynamics, sources and distribution of these bodies. Techniques for investigation of meteor phenomena in the book include conventional and large aperture radar systems, spacecraft detection, optical systems, spectral measurements, and laboratory based interplanetary dust particle studies.
What is unique about Richard Norton's book is that it is both a field guide to observing meteors, and also a field guide to locating, preparing and analysing meteorites. In addition to giving the reader information about observing techniques for meteors, this book also provides a fully detailed account of the types of meteorites, how and where to find them, how to prepare and analyse them. The book provides everything the amateur astronomer (or geologist!) needs to know about meteors and meteorites. It is thus the only complete book on the subject available at present.
