Analysis of Moon impact flashes detected during the 2012 and 2013 Perseids

We present the results of our Moon impact flashes detection campaigns performed around the maximum activity period of the Perseid meteor shower in 2012 and 2013. Just one flash produced by a Perseid meteoroid was detected in 2012 because of very unfavourable geometric conditions, but 12 of these were confirmed in 2013. The visual magnitude of the flashes ranged between 6.6 and 9.3. A luminous efficiency of 1.8 $\times$ 10$^{-3}$ has been estimated for meteoroids from this stream. According to this value, impactor masses would range between 1.9 and 190 g. In addition, we propose a criterion to establish, from a statistical point of view, the likely origin of impact flashes recorded on the lunar surface.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics on March 11, 201

Resources to introduce Inquire Based Scientic Education in Secondary and High School

The global Hands-on Universe association is producing and distributing free resources world- wide to implement Inquire Based Scienti?c Education (IBSE) at secondary and high school levels. The materials are inspired in astronomical research and space exploration. The association is implementing the Galileo Teacher Training Program world-wide. In this contribution, a summary on the most recent resources being implemented by HOU-Espa~na and developed with Spanish participation is presented

Telescopio óptico combinado con apertura escalable

Comprende conjuntos ópticos que enfocan la luz en unas primeras fibras ópticas individuales (8) que se combinan en una fibra óptica única final (10), que recoge una cantidad considerable de luz de un objeto, para alimentar un instrumento como un espectrógrafo (18). Las primeras fibras ópticas (8) se mantienen centradas en el objeto a través de dispositivos de imagen que también proporcionan imágenes, y estas imágenes se pueden combinar para dar lugar a una imagen de alta calidad del campo que rodea el objeto. La apertura efectiva final del dispositivo es escalable, al utilizar diferentes números de conjuntos ópticos y dependiendo de sus diámetrosPeer reviewedConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (España), Fundación AstroHitaA1 Solicitud de patente con informe sobre el estado de la técnic

Telescopio óptico combinado con apertura escalable

[EN] The invention comprises optical units that focus the light in a number of first individual optic fibres (8) which combine photonically into a final single optic fibre (10), which collects a considerable amount of light from an object, to supply an instrument such as a spectrograph (18). The first optic fibres (8) remain centred on the object via imaging devices that also supply images, and these images may be combined in order to give rise to a high-quality image of the field surrounding the object. The final effective aperture of the device is scalable, by means of the use of different numbers of optical units and depending on their diameters[ES] Comprende conjuntos ópticos que enfocan la luz en unas primeras fibras ópticas individuales (8) que se combinan fotónicamente en una fibra óptica única final (10), que recoge una cantidad considerable de luz de un objeto, para alimentar un instrumento como un espectrógrafo (18). Las primeras fibras ópticas (8) se mantienen centradas en el objeto a través de dispositivos de imagen que también proporcionan imágenes, y estas imágenes se pueden combinar para dar lugar a una imagen de alta calidad del campo que rodea el objeto. La apertura efectiva final del dispositivo es escalable, ai utilizar diferentes números de conjuntos ópticos y dependiendo de sus diámetros[FR] La présente invention concerne des ensembles optiques qui focalisent la lumière dans des premières fibres optiques individuelles (8) qui se combinent de manière photonique dans une fibre optique unique finale (10), qui collecte une quantité considérable de lumière d'un objet, pour alimenter un instrument comme un spectrographe (18). Les premières fibres optiques (8) sont maintenues centrées sur l'objet au moyen de dispositifs d'image qui produisent également des images, et ces images peuvent se combiner pour fournir une image de haute qualité du champ qui entoure l'objet. L'ouverture effective finale du dispositif est modulable, lorsqu'on utilise des nombres différents d'ensembles optiques et dépend de leurs diamètres.Peer reviewedConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (España), Fundación AstroHitaA1 Solicitud de patente con informe sobre el estado de la técnic

Trajectory, orbit, and spectroscopic analysis of a bright fireball observed over Spain on April 13, 2013

On April 13, 2013 a very bright fireball with an absolute magnitude of −13.0 ± 0.5 was recorded over the center of Spain. This sporadic event, which was witnessed by numerous casual observers throughout the whole country, was imaged from seven meteor-observing stations operated by the Spanish Meteor Network (SPMN), and its emission spectrum was also obtained in the framework of our meteor spectroscopy campaign. The atmospheric trajectory of the bolide and the heliocentric orbit of the parent meteoroid are analyzed here. The spectrum reveals a chondritic nature for this particle, which was following a Jupiter family comet orbit before its encounter with the Earth. In addition, the emission spectrum of the meteoric afterglow was recorded during about 0.8 s. The main emission lines appearing in this signal were identified and their evolution with time is also discussed. Afterglow spectra are not abundant in the literature, and these can provide important clues about the physical proceses taking place in meteoric persistent trains