Speaker
Description
Meteor observations provide a unique opportunity to characterize small near-Earth objects as they interact with the atmosphere, providing information that cannot be obtained from telescopic observations alone. In recent years, advances in optical networks, trajectory reconstruction, fragmentation modeling, and meteor physics have significantly improved our ability to infer the physical properties and atmospheric interaction of meteoroids. This presentation will review the current state of meteor observations and modeling, with particular emphasis on their relevance to planetary defense. We will discuss what can currently be inferred from meteor observations, the physical models used to describe atmospheric entry and fragmentation, and the main uncertainties that remain. Recent well-observed events, including 2022 WJ1, 2023 CX1, and the Novo Mesto fireball, will be used for illustration. We will also discuss the potential contribution of space-based observations, including the scientific opportunities offered by global coverage and ultraviolet spectroscopy, and how future observational capabilities could complement existing ground- and space-based systems.