(meteorobs) Fwd: [radiometeoren] Meteors and the edge of space - podcast

[Ed Majden]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: David Entwistle <David at radiometeor.plus.com>
> Date: March 8, 2008 10:11:34 AM PST
> To: radiometeoren at vvs.be
> Subject: [radiometeoren] Meteors and the edge of space - podcast
> Reply-To: radiometeoren at vvs.be
>
> I've just noticed that there is a podcast by Professor Nick Mitchell, 
> group leader of the Dynamics of the Mesosphere & Lower Thermosphere 
> group, at the University of Bath. The podcast outlines the history of 
> meteor observation, basic meteor theory, through to the present work 
> of the University of Bath group using meteor radars to perform upper 
> atmospheric measurements.
>
> You can find the podcast here...
>
> <http://www.bath.ac.uk/podcast/lectures/011-podbath-edgeofspace.mp3>
>
> Background to the group here...
>
> <http://staff.bath.ac.uk/eesnjm/>
>
> The lecture dates from March 2006 and was introduced as follows...
>
> Every day, about 40 tons of extra-terrestrial material collides with 
> the earth, most of which is in the form of tiny particles that have 
> come from passing comets.
>
> Using sophisticated radars based at sites stretching from the Arctic 
> to the Antarctic, researchers at the University of Bath detect these 
> particles as they burn up in the upper atmosphere, giving rise to what 
> we see from the ground as a meteor.
>
> By monitoring the movement of these meteors 100 km above the surface 
> of the earth, researchers can reveal the intricate circulation and 
> dynamics of the meteor region.
>
> They can also use this information to monitor how climate change is 
> affecting the uppermost layers of our atmosphere – known as the 
> mesosphere and thermosphere – at the very edge of space.
>
> “The meteor region is notoriously difficult to investigate, but hosts 
> a wide range of fascinating and poorly-understood phenomena,” said 
> Professor Nick Mitchell from the University’s Department of Electronic 
> and Electrical Engineering.
>
> “Atmospheric tides and waves launched from below are thought to drive 
> its circulation, coupling together different layers of the atmosphere.
>
> “Smoke from meteors acts as condensation nuclei for ghostly, polar 
> noctilucent clouds and the meteor region is home to the giant 
> lightning discharges known as sprites.
>
> “Its great sensitivity has lead to it being called the miner's canary 
> of climate change.”
> -- 
> David Entwistle
>