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.
Stargazers across the United States are in for a treat this weekend as the annual Leonids meteor shower lights up the night sky.
Space Exploration
Nov 17, 2025
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Every year, the Taurid meteor shower lights up the night sky from late October through early November. Sometimes called the "Halloween fireballs," they are named for the constellation Taurus—the bull—from which the meteors ...
Astronomy
Oct 30, 2025
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The Orionids—one of two major meteor showers caused by remnants from Halley's comet—will peak with the arrival of a new moon, providing an excellent opportunity to see shooting stars without interference from moonlight.
Space Exploration
Oct 17, 2025
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Stargazers and meteor enthusiasts across North America could be treated to a spectacular light show under the right conditions during this week's "Draconid shower."
Astronomy
Oct 8, 2025
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Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory has released open-source software to detect potentially harmful shooting stars, called bolides—bright meteors that explode as they enter Earth's atmosphere. The software can ...
Space Exploration
Sep 25, 2025
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With help from amateur astronomers, scientists tracked how an asteroid traveled from space, broke up in Earth's atmosphere and sent fiery fragments shooting to the ground, gathering new information about how these space rocks ...
Planetary Sciences
Sep 21, 2025
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Some asteroids are more dangerous than others, according to a report published in Nature Astronomy by an international team of researchers, led by astrophysicist Auriane Egal of the Montreal Planetarium in Canada. The team ...
Astronomy
Sep 17, 2025
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Summer's most dazzling meteor shower, the Perseids, peaks early Wednesday. At the same time, Venus and Jupiter will converge in the sky—overlapping like a very bright star.
Space Exploration
Aug 11, 2025
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Summer's most dazzling meteor shower, the Perseids, peaks soon.
Space Exploration
Aug 8, 2025
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When it comes to meteor showers, the Perseids pop. It's not just about the quantity of meteors (as many as 100 per hour) and their showy quality but also their superb timing.
Astronomy
Jul 30, 2025
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