Fresnel holography for radio characterization of meteoroid fragmentation

The project aims to create a Python software that helps us better understand meteoroids, which are small celestial objects originating from comets and asteroids. This tool will analyze signals from radio meteor echoes, focusing on how meteoroids break apart when they enter Earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon known as fragmentation. By comparing the software output with optical high-resolution images, we will make sure that our software is accurate and helps us properly interpret radio signals coming from both CMOR (Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar) and BRAMS (Belgian RAdio Meteor Stations). This project will benefit the University of Western Ontario, the University of Liège, and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy as it will enhance our understanding of the strength and composition of meteoroids. In turn, this new knowledge will shed light on the distribution and evolution of dust particles in the Solar System. This project will also allow a better determination of meteoroid fluxes, an essential input for space operators to assess the risks that meteoroids pose to satellites, which play a crucial role in our globally connected society. Overall, this project will strengthen the collaboration between Canadian and Belgian researchers, creating a strong and unique international partnership in meteor science.

Faculty Supervisor:

Peter Brown

Student:

Partner:

Université de Liège

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: