METEORS AND SPACE OBJECTS
The Earth is continuously bombarded by particles and objects of different sizes and compositions. Some of these particles disintegrate into Earth’s atmosphere and influence the circulation process of the atmosphere that can affect the variability of our climate. However, other objects pass through the atmosphere impacting directly our surface, representing a threat to the integrity of our cities in both the physical infrastructure and in the lives of their inhabitants. Because of this, it is important to study and monitor the objects surrounding the Earth.
Meteors and space objects
We study the trajectories and motion of objects and particles that bombard the Earth. To do this, appropriate instrumentation is used to monitor the upper layers of the Earth and observe the entry of meteors and other objects. The data obtained is used to establish the spatial and temporal distribution of these objects; it also allows us to study the frequency of arrival of meteors and other objects and classify them according to their physical characteristics. Also, the information obtained from meteors can be used for the estimation of winds in the lower thermosphere, allowing the study of the circulation process of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Interaction between space objects
We study the physical processes that take place when meteors and other space objects enter the ionosphere and the upper layers of the atmosphere. This includes the study of plasma generation processes when these objects enter the Earth and also the disintegration mechanisms. This would allow us to determine the characteristics of objects that can pass through the atmosphere and impact the Earth’s surface.