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.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower soon will light the sky with debris from Halley's comet. But a bright moon will spoil the fun this year, making the display harder to glimpse.
Space Exploration
May 3, 2026
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26
Early May is a good time to watch for a powerful yet often elusive meteor shower, the annual Eta Aquariids. They're a prolific, yet often elusive for northern hemisphere observers. If skies are clear, watch for a strong annual ...
Astronomy
May 1, 2026
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28
Across Earth, every night, thousands of automated stargazers are waiting to take pictures of shooting stars. I am one of the scientists who study these meteors.
Planetary Sciences
Apr 13, 2026
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646
Jason Jenkins was driving to work before dawn when a bright green streak beamed across the sky.
Space Exploration
Mar 25, 2026
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56
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.
Space Exploration
Mar 18, 2026
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A suspected meteor that fell over the Cleveland area on Tuesday shook homes and startled residents who heard a boom that some compared to an explosion.
Space Exploration
Mar 17, 2026
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39
The Vera Rubin Observatory (VRO) has barely begun observations and is already wowing us. Images like its Cosmic Treasure Chest have us anticipating even more cosmic glory. And when the observatory sent out 800,000 alerts ...
Astronomy
Mar 11, 2026
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45
The European Space Agency said it is investigating a fireball that streaked across the skies of Europe on the weekend before reportedly punching a football-sized hole in the roof of a German home.
Space Exploration
Mar 10, 2026
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71
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.
Planetary Sciences
Mar 9, 2026
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71
The year's first supermoon and meteor shower will sync up in January skies, but the light from one may dim the other.
Space Exploration
Dec 30, 2025
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118
