Definitions of terms in meteor astronomy (IAU) (original) (raw)

As the rapid evolution of our knowledge in the field of meteoric astronomy progresses, the more it requires constant updates to the fundamental terms, to satisfactorily match the current state of the field. The definitions in meteoric astronomy adopted in 1961 by the IAU (International Astronomical Union) Commission 22 have recently undergone an update by its direct successor: the IAU Commission F1 on Meteors, Meteorites and Interplanetary Dust. Commission F1 has recently issued an explanatory text for the correct usage of fundamental terms related to meteor astronomy in scientific literature and among the general public. Below are the definitions and remarks approved by the majority of the IAU Commission F1 participating in the electronic voting completed on April 30, 2017.

IAU-Definitions

Meteor is the light and associated physical phenomena (heat, shock, ionization), which result from the high speed entry of a solid object from space into a gaseous atmosphere.

Remarks

Meteoroid

Meteoroid is a solid natural object of a size roughly between 30 micrometers and 1 meter moving in, or coming from, interplanetary space.

Remarks

Interplanetary Dust

Dust (interplanetary) is finely divided solid matter, with particle sizes in general smaller than meteoroids, moving in, or coming from, interplanetary space.

Remarks

Meteorite

Meteorite is any natural solid object that survived the meteor phase in a gaseous atmosphere without being completely vaporized.

Remarks

Micrometeorites do not have the typical structure of a fresh meteorite – unaffected interior and fusion crust.

Meteoric Smoke

Meteoric smoke is solid matter that has condensed in a gaseous atmosphere from material vaporized during the meteor phase.

Remarks