A reproducible method to determine the meteoroid mass index

摘要: Context. The determination of meteoroid mass indices is central to flux measurements and evolutionary studies populations. However, different authors use approaches fit observed data, making results difficult reproduce the resulting uncertainties justify. real, physical, are usually an order magnitude higher than reported values. Aims. We aim develop a fully automated method that will measure associated uncertainty. validate our on large radar optical datasets compare obtain best estimate true index. Methods. Using MultiNest, Bayesian inference tool calculates evidence explores parameter space, we search for cumulative number vs. distributions in four-dimensional space variables ( a,b, X 1 , 2 ). explore biases meteor echo using data as calibration dataset establish systematic offset measured index Results. Our average de-biased sporadic complex, by appropriate range 10 -3 > m -5 g, was s = −2.10 ± 0.08. Optical -1 g range, with shower meteors removed, produced −2.08 find used substantially larger -4 range.