Fireball and Meteoroid flux
The study of the number, size distribution, and orbital distribution of small bodies in space is a significant research topic that presents numerous challenges. While larger objects can be detected by telescopes in space and smaller objects are often observed as meteors on Earth, there is a knowledge gap for intermediate-sized objects. These objects are too small for telescopes and collide with Earth too infrequently for ground-based observations. Our project aims to fill this gap by investigating the number, size distribution, flux, and origins of meter- to decimeter-sized meteoroids that collide with Earth.
To generate and analyze data, we participate in sky observations by integrating into existing fireball networks. Since September 2021, we have operated two complementary meteor cameras that are part of larger networks. The AllSky7 Fireball Network, originally established by amateur astronomers in the USA, has significantly expanded into Europe, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Hungary, and continues to grow worldwide. Within this network, we operate the station "AMS80." The Fireball Recovery and InterPlanetary Observation Network (FRIPON), which originated in France and is professionally managed by French universities, has core areas in Italy and Romania and is coordinated in Germany by the University of Oldenburg.
In addition to participating in observations, our particular focus is on debiasing and detailed analysis of the collected data. Our research provides valuable data for characterizing the population of small bodies and their interactions with Earth, thereby enhancing our understanding of their distribution and dynamics in the solar system.