Development of automated high-resolution slow-scan CCD system for meteor spectroscopy : preliminary results

Abstract

Meteor spectroscopy provides valuable data about the composition of meteoroids striking the atmosphere [1, 2, 3]. The results obtained from the analysis of meteor spectra can also be used to infer information about the chemical nature of the parent bodies of these particles of interplanetary matter. With this aim, we have employed since 2006 high-sensitivity CCD video cameras with attached holographic diffraction gratings (500-1000 lines/mm) to record the emission spectra produced during the ablation of meteoroids in the atmosphere [4, 5]. These devices allow for a precise recording of the evolution of the intensity of emission lines with time and, for multi-station events, with height also [6]. During August 2012 we made an additional effort in the framework of this continuous spectroscopic campaign by setting up two new automated spectrographs, although these are based on slow-scan high-resolution CCD devices. These new systems are described here and the first results obtained so far are presented.