(meteorobs) Question about Meteor entry angles

[Matson, Robert]

Hi Thomas,

> Does the angle of descent of a meteor play a role in
> the survival of a meteor getting to the ground?

Very much so.

> Does a meteor with a shallow entry angle have a better
> chance of surviving to the ground than one with steep
> angle of descent?

Absolutely.  Shallow entry angles allow more gradual deceleration
of the meteoroid, decreasing the maximum dynamic pressure that
is experienced.  With steep entry angles, the atmospheric pressure
experienced by the meteoroid increases too rapidly causing
fragmentation/pulverization/vaporization of the body.

Of course, if the entry angle is too shallow, the object can
"skip" off the top of the atmosphere (like the Teton bolide
in 1972).  --Rob