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.
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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Since the beginning of Earth's history, tiny particles of rock and metal from space have been hitting our planet. On clear nights, we can even see their traces as shooting stars. Trapped in layers of rock, these micrometeorites ...
Astrobiology
Jul 29, 2025
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It's almost time for summer's meteor shower duet.
Space Exploration
Jul 25, 2025
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611
The seismic signature of a fireball meteoroid event can be used to tell whether the fireball fragmented or remained intact as it fell through the atmosphere, according to new research published in Seismological Research Letters.
Earth Sciences
Jul 23, 2025
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17
More than 200 people across a half-dozen southern U.S. states have now reported witnessing a mysterious object streak across the sky on Thursday, and the nation's space agency now believes it was a remarkably bright meteor ...
Space Exploration
Jun 28, 2025
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58
Reports of a fireball falling over the southeastern U.S. flooded social media Thursday afternoon, and the National Weather Service said the unusual object was visible in southern parts of metro Atlanta.
Space Exploration
Jun 27, 2025
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32
If a huge asteroid smashes into the moon in 2032, the gigantic explosion would send debris streaming toward Earth that would threaten satellites and create a spectacular meteor shower, according to researchers.
Astronomy
Jun 23, 2025
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139
Shortly after astronomers detected asteroid 2024 YR4 on December 27, 2024, they realized it posed no threat to Earth. But it could still impact the moon in 2032. The impact debris could threaten satellites and trigger an ...
Astronomy
Jun 17, 2025
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Hundreds of people reported seeing a fireball over several western U.S. states, especially over Utah, where it was exceptionally large, bright and green.
Space Exploration
May 6, 2025
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274
Space junk and meteoroids are falling to Earth every year, posing a growing risk as they re-enter the atmosphere at high speeds. Researchers are using infrasound sensors to track these objects, including bolides, which are ...
Planetary Sciences
May 2, 2025
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