FRIPON: A worldwide network to track incoming meteoroids

Authors :: Colas, F.
Zanda, B.
Bouley, S.
Jeanne, S.
Malgoyre, A.
Birlan, M.
Blanpain, C.
Gattacceca, J.
Jorda, L.
Lecubin, J.
Marmo, C.
Rault, J. L.
Vaubaillon, J.
Vernazza, P.
Yohia, C.
Gardiol, D.
co-authors, A. Nedelcu plus 300
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: Context: Until recently, camera networks designed for monitoring fireballs worldwide were not fully automated, implying that in case of a meteorite fall, the recovery campaign was rarely immediate. This was an important limiting factor as the most fragile - hence precious - meteorites must be recovered rapidly to avoid their alteration. Aims: The Fireball Recovery and InterPlanetary Observation Network (FRIPON) scientific project was designed to overcome this limitation. This network comprises a fully automated camera and radio network deployed over a significant fraction of western Europe and a small fraction of Canada. As of today, it consists of 150 cameras and 25 European radio receivers and covers an area of about 1.5 million square kilometers.<br />Comment: 54 pages, 14 figures