Orbits and emission spectra from the 2014 Camelopardalids

TL;DR

This study analyzed the 2014 Camelopardalid meteor shower using optical and radio observations, revealing the fragile, aggregate nature of the meteoroids and their non-chondritic, Fe-depleted composition.

Contribution

It provides detailed trajectory, orbital data, and spectral analysis of Camelopardalid meteoroids, highlighting their fragile structure and unique composition.

Findings

Camelopardalid meteoroids are very fragile, mostly pristine aggregates.

Spectral analysis indicates Fe depletion, suggesting non-chondritic composition.

Despite low flux, precise atmospheric and orbital data were obtained.

Abstract

We have analyzed the meteor activity associated with meteoroids of fresh dust trails of Comet 209P/LINEAR, which produced an outburst of the Camelopardalid meteor shower (IAU code #451, CAM) in May 2014. With this aim, we have employed an array of high-sensitivity CCD video devices and spectrographs deployed at 10 meteor observing stations in Spain in the framework of the Spanish Meteor Network (SPMN). Additional meteoroid flux data were obtained by means of two forward-scatter radio systems. The observed peak zenithal hourly rate (ZHR) was much lower than expected, of around 20 meteors h-1. Despite of the small meteor flux in the optical range, we have obtained precise atmospheric trajectory, radiant and orbital information for 11 meteor and fireball events associated with this stream. The ablation behaviour and low tensile strength calculated for these particles reveal that Camelopardalid meteoroids are very fragile, mostly pristine aggregates with strength similar to that of the Orionids and the Leonids. The mineral grains seem to be glued together by a volatile phase. We also present and discuss two unique emission spectra produced by two Camelopardalid bright meteors. These suggest a non-chondritic nature for these particles, which exhibit Fe depletion in their composition.