Research news on Meteors

Meteors as a research area encompass the study of meteoroids entering planetary atmospheres, their ablation, light emission, plasma formation, and resulting ionization trails. This field integrates observational techniques (optical, radar, infrasound), modeling of atmospheric entry dynamics, and analysis of meteoroid composition and flux. Research addresses energy transfer to the atmosphere, fragmentation processes, and the contribution of meteoric input to upper-atmospheric chemistry and dust populations. It also includes characterization of meteor showers linked to parent bodies (comets, asteroids), constraints on small body populations in the Solar System, and assessment of impact hazards from larger bolides and airbursts.

How common are fireballs streaking across the sky?

The Earth is under assault. Space rocks are constantly hurtling toward us, slamming into the atmosphere and often exploding into fireballs that both delight and alarm.

ESA analyzing fireball over Europe on 8 March 2026

At approximately 18:55 CET (17:55 UTC) on Sunday, March 8, 2026, a very bright fireball moving from the southwest to the northeast was observed by many people in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Catch the Ursid meteor shower as it peaks just before Christmas

The last major meteor shower of the year, known as the Ursids, peaks soon, bringing glowing streaks to nighttime and early morning skies. Compared to other meteor showers, it's more subdued, but experts say it's still worth ...

Video: How to see the Geminid meteor shower

One of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year reaches its peak this week—giving skywatchers the chance to see up to 100 "shooting stars" an hour under perfect conditions.

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