Meteors
IRF studies meteors (falling stars) with the help of sensitive instruments that reveal various aspects of the dust particles from space that cause this phenomenon. Researchers at IRF were the first to use scatter radar for meteor studies 17 years ago.
With the help of EISCAT, European Incoherent Scatter Facility, one of the world’s most advanced radar facilities, researches study the different aspects of the small particles that burn up in the atmosphere.
With help from the optical network ALIS, Auroral Large Imaging System, researchers have been able to observe signals from a molecule in the meteor spectra. Thanks to the unique EISCAT radar, IRF is world-leading in certain aspects of meteor studies.
Meteor research broadens our knowledge of the origin and development of the solar system and is of interest in our search for new worlds to live on. Knowing about dust particles in space is also important for future manned space missions and for planning bases on the moon and on Mars.
LECTURER on METEORS: Professor Asta Pellinen-Wannberg
TIME REQUIRED: Approximately half a day or 2-2½ hours.
AVAILABILITY: Year-round, upon request.
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