Assessment of Kinetic Energy of Meteoroids Detected by Satellite-Based Light Sensors☆

摘要: Abstract Radiation energies of bright flashes caused by disintegration large meteoroids in the atmosphere have been measured using optical sensors on board geostationary satellites. Light curves versus time are available for some events. We worked out several numerical techniques to derive kinetic energy that produced flashes. Spectral opacities vapor various types were calculated a wide range possible temperatures and densities. Coefficients conversion radiation computed chondritic iron 10 cm m size radiation–hydrodynamics simulations. Luminous efficiency increases with body initial velocity. Some analytical approximations presented average coefficients irons H-chondrites. A mean value this coefficient (1–10 size) is about 5–10%. The theory was tested analyzing light events detail. Kinetic impactors energy–frequency distribution 51 bolides, detected during 22 months systematic observations 1994–1996, determined theoretical values luminous efficiencies heat-transfer coefficients. number impacts from 0.25 4 kt TNT 25 per year total surface Earth. rather good agreement derived acoustic lunar crater record. Acoustic systems registered one 1 Mt event 12 years observation. Optical not such an as yet due shorter probability impact estimated extrapolation observational data.