Computer-based analysis of all-sky meteor images obtained by the "European Fireball Network"

Abstract

All-sky images of meteors obtained by the "European Fireball Network "have been digitized, verified for radiometric and geometric accuracy,and analyzed using digital image processing methods. Currently, a software packeage is being developed for semi-automatic processing of these digitized images. The goal of the software is, in particular, the radiometric nad geometric calibration of the images, the interactive measurements of image coordinates, coordinate conversion from image line/sample to azimuth and elevation, identification of meteors, computation of geocentric meteors trajectories, and computation of heliocentric orbits. The analysis of digitized photographs greatly improveds the efficiency of the processing without loss of accuracy over the time-consuming analysis using light tables. Properties of digital meteor image data and first results from the testing of the described software will be demonstrated. Operation of the "European Fireball Network" issupported by the DLR Institute of Planetary Exploration.