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G.M. Sullivan, D.I. Klebe (Denver Museum of Nature and Science)
Researchers at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) have developed the All Sky Program (ASP) for the purpose of monitoring fireballs across the state of Colorado. The ASP provides a great opportunity for young students (grades 6-12), introducing them to the scientific process wherein they provide valuable astronomical research. A network of fourteen low-light video cameras with wide-angle imaging capabilities have been mounted atop DMNS and several Colorado middle and high schools rooftops. These cameras are spread across Colorado creating nearly complete sky coverage, and making it possible to record the same event from multiple locations allowing for triangulation. When a fireball caused by an incoming meteorite is detected, the system automatically records the event. Participating student teams have assembled these specialized cameras and now filter the data that is collected nightly. This data is used to conduct an inquiry-based investigation of meteors, fireballs, and other solar system objects.
The ASP supplies unique scientific information about the statistics of fireballs and meteors. Coordinate data also enables determination of possible meteorite search area and the recreation of original meteoroid orbits. DMNS researchers will display a replica of the ASP instrument and present data from the ASP including video of actual fireball events recorded by the system. Teachers came together to develop this program and create activities that support the Colorado Content Standards in Science, Math, Reading and Writing. Students from all corners of the state are working together remotely, as well as working with DMNS scientists and resources, including Curator of Geology Jack Murphy and the museums exceptional meteorite collection.
If you would like more information about this abstract, please follow the link to http://www.cloudbait.com/science/fireballs.html. This link was provided by the author. When you follow it, you will leave the Web site for this meeting; to return, you should use the Back comand on your browser.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: gsullivan@dmns.org
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #2
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