New Constraints on the Composition and Initial Speed of CNEOS 2014-01-08

TL;DR

This study analyzes the light curve and disintegration of interstellar meteor CNEOS 2014-01-08, revealing its high strength and suggesting an initial speed of about 66.5 km/s, supporting its interstellar origin.

Contribution

It provides new constraints on the composition and initial velocity of the first interstellar meteor based on detailed light curve analysis.

Findings

Ambient ram pressure at disintegration: 113-194 MPa

Yield strength exceeds typical stony and iron meteorites

Initial speed estimated at approximately 66.5 km/s

Abstract

We study the newly released light curve from the fireball of the first interstellar meteor CNEOS 2014-01-08. The measured velocity and three observed flares down to an altitude of $18.7 \mathrm{\; km}$ imply ambient ram pressure in the range of $113-194$ MPa when the meteor disintegrated. The required yield strength is $\gtrsim 20$ times higher than stony meteorites and $\gtrsim 2$ times larger than iron meteorites. The implied slowdown in the atmosphere suggests an initial speed of about $66.5 \; {\rm km~s^{-1}}$, strengthening the case for an interstellar origin of this meteor and making it an outlier relative to the velocity dispersion of local stars.