Analysis of two superbolides with a cometary origin observed over the Iberian Peninsula

DOI: 
10.1016/j.icarus.2014.01.031
Publication date: 
01/05/2014
Main author: 
Madiedo J.M.
IAA authors: 
Ortiz J.L.;Castro-Tirado A.J.
Authors: 
Madiedo J.M., Ortiz J.L., Trigo-Rodríguez J.M., Zamorano J., Konovalova N., Castro-Tirado A.J., Ocaña F., Miguel A.S.D., Izquierdo J., Cabrera-Caño J.
Journal: 
Icarus
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
233
Pages: 
27-35
Number: 
Abstract: 
Among the most astonishing astronomical phenomena are the extremely bright bolides produced by the entry of large meteoroids into the Earth's atmosphere. These events are rare and unexpected because current telescopic surveys are still missing meter-sized meteoroids, particularly those of dark nature and presumably cometary origin. In this work we present the analysis of two very bright fireballs of such origin recently observed over Spain. The first of these was recorded on September 25, 2010, while the second one took place on August 23, 2012. With an absolute magnitude of -18 and -17, respectively, these sporadic events fall within the superbolide category. Their atmospheric trajectory is calculated, together with the heliocentric orbit of the parent meteoroids. Other physical properties of these particles are estimated, such as their preatmospheric mass and tensile strength. The emission spectrum recorded for one of these events is also discussed. Our analysis indicates that none of these superbolides was a meteorite-dropping event. From their orbital parameters, a cometary nature for the parent meteoroids is inferred. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.
Database: 
WOK
SCOPUS
ADS
URL: 
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/#abs/2014Icar..233...27M/abstract
ADS Bibcode: 
2014Icar..233...27M
Keywords: 
Comets; Meteorites; Meteors