Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
PulseExploreClubsResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeClubsExplore
August 19, 2026Meteoritics and Planetary ScienceOpen Access

Bolide Light Curve Systematics from 75 Recovered Meteorites

View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Authors

PJPeter JenniskensSPS. PilorzDRDarrel Robertson

Discussion

Loading...

Member takes

Overview

Observational analysis reveals seven distinct atmospheric entry phases across 75 documented bolides, indicating that fragmentation thresholds correlate directly with meteorite tensile strength.

Key Points

  • To evaluate how bolide energy deposition profiles, deceleration, and atmospheric penetration depth relate to entry parameters and meteorite composition.
  • Analyzed optical light curves and velocity profiles from 75 camera-documented meteorite falls (N=75).
  • Compared light curve phase transitions against entry speed, entry angle, initial meteoroid mass, and recovered meteorite classification.
  • Atmospheric light curves consistently progress through seven distinct physical phases, shifting from spin-modulated brightening and melting plateaus to structural flares and terminal explosions.
  • Dynamic pressures recorded at fragmentation onset and terminal end flares correlate directly with the laboratory-measured tensile strength of the recovered meteorites.

Cite This Study

Jenniskens et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a858aaf03308d306e2d800bhttps://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70203
View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share