Dynamical Studies of Micrometeorites Detected at the Arecibo Observatory
D. D. Meisel, T. S. Allen (SUNY-Geneseo), V. S. Getman, J. D. Mathews (CSSL-Penn State University), Q. Zhou (Arecibo National Observatory)
A dynamical and orbital analysis of micrometeors detected with the
Arecibo 430 MHz radar (and some dual frequency with 50 MHz) has been
carried out which includes radiation pressure as well as perturbations
by Jupiter and Saturn. Since these objects are apparently a new class
of micrometeoroid (Mathews et al., Icarus, 1997), accurate orbital
analysis is essential to determine their origin. The hypothesis that
all of these small, dense particles originated from outside the solar
system is explored in some detail. Alternatives to this view are briefly
considered and will be the subject of future dynamical investigations.