IMAGE GALLERY

Schematic diagram exemplifying the meteoric phenomenon

This diagram covers from small cometary/asteroidal particles that produce shooting stars to big fireballs. Big fireballs are typically originated by asteroids, comets or other planetary bodies when entering the terrestrial atmosphere reach velocities around several hundred kilometers/hour. Only the biggest rocks will reach the ground, being called meteorites. The space particles from several microns to 10 meters are called meteoroids.

On the left side appears the orbit of Villalbeto de la Peña meteorite in the solar system

One video and several photographs captured by chance allowed for the first time in Spain the reconstruction of an orbit meteorite. Right side: Bolide photograph taken by María M. Ruiz from Santa Columba de Corueño (Leon, Spain).

Villalbeto de la Peña bolide in flight

Villalbeto de la Peña bolide as photographed from las Hoces de Valdeteja (Leon, Spain). Image courtesy of Salvador Diez.

Bejar bolide low resolution image (SPMN110708)

The rock that produced this fireball would be associated with a comet from Jupiter family named C/1919Q2 Metcalf. Higher resolution images are available at the Javier Pérez Vallejo web page (FOTOART). Javier Pérez Vallejo homepage (FOTO-ART).

Villalbeto de la Peña thin section image under a scanning electron microscope (SEM)

Several rounded chondrules are easily visible in this SEM image of the L6 ordinary chondrite Villalbeto de la Peña. J.M. Trigo (CSIC-IEEC).

Puerto Lápice meteorite linked with asteroid Vesta

Puerto Lápice meteorite sample probably coming from Vesta asteroid. Each side of paper square matches 1mm. It can be seen clearly the meteorite fusion crust, as well as the brecciated interior appearance. J. Llorca (UPC).

January 26 2010 fireball (SPMN260110 'Torredembarra', 00h08m48.5±0.1s T.U.C.)

A bright bolide recorded from the Montseny and Folgueroles SPMN video stations (J.M.Trigo/CSIC-IEEC and P.Pujols/AAO). The absolute magnitude was -11±1, and associated with the Alpha Geminids North Terentjeva source (#T8N). This bolide overflow Aragón, Cataluña and the Valencia Community. For more details visit the SPMN fireball list.

28 September 2009 fireball (SPMN280909, 01h04m48±1s T.U.C.)

A nice fireball exhibiting a final ending flare as recorded from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela SPMN stations in Santiago and Lugo (Prof. José A. Docobo y Pedro P. Campo, OARMA-USC). This event had an absolute magnitude -9±1; having origin in the Delta Aurigids stream. For more details visit the SPMN fireball list

24 September 2009 fireball (SPMN240909, 19h38m50.8±0.1s T.U.C.)

A bright bolide recorded from Montseny (Dr. J.M. Trigo/CSIC-IEEC), Folgueroles (P. Pujols/AAO) and Sant Vicenç de Castellet (Oscar van der Velde/UPC). Brighter as the Full Moon (absolute magnitude: -12±1). For more details visit the SPMN fireball list

21 July 2009 fireball (SPMN210709 'Prats de Lluçanés', (03h50m45.2±0.1s T.U.C.)

A bright bolide recorded from the Montseny and Folgueroles SPMN video stations (J.M.Trigo/CSIC-IEEC and P.Pujols/AAO). The absolute magnitude was -13±2, and associated with the Sigma Capricornids. This bolide overflow Aragón, Cataluña and the Valencia Community. For more details visit the SPMN fireball list