| dc.description.abstract | In 2022, we established the RoLIFE (Robotic Lulin Lunar Impact Flash tElescope)
observation system at Lulin Observatory. This study introduces our observation
system. Due to the Moon′s extremely thin atmosphere, even small meteoroid impacts
on its surface can produce brief flashes.
The objective of this research is to capture and record lunar impact flashes (LIFs),
calculate their luminosity, estimate the meteoroid′s impact kinetic energy, and further
analyze its physical mechanisms. We calculated the apparent magnitudes of the
flashes, and, assuming the flashes follow blackbody radiation law, derived the
temperatures through observations and analysis in the R and I bands. We also
estimated the kinetic energy, mass, size, and luminous efficiency range, which
represents the proportion of the meteoroid′s kinetic energy converted into visible
light during the impact.
From February 2023 to April 2024, we conducted systematic and long-term
observations, accumulating 42 nights of effective observation. We analyzed 4332
minutes of video data and observed 7 lunar impact flash events. The calculation of
lunar impact flash temperatures used data from NELIOTA, while the luminous
efficiency was based on data obtained from Lulin Observatory during the 2018
Geminid meteor shower. Through image analysis, we determined the position and
time of the impact flashes, calculated the luminosity of the lunar impact events, and
estimated the physical parameters of the meteoroids. The results show that the
temperature range of the lunar impact flashes is mainly between 2000K and 3500K.
The calculated luminous efficiency is consistent with previous research results,
verifying the reliability of our observation system.
The RoLIFE project is part of the Taiwan Universities Lunar Investigation Program
(TULIP), with the scientific purpose of providing ground-based observations for space
missions like ESA′s LUMIO CubeSat mission to study lunar impact flashes. We aim to
provide the physical parameters of meteoroid impacts on the lunar surface to lunar
scientists and structural engineers. These parameters are crucial for the construction
of lunar orbiters, lunar landers, and lunar bases. Engineers need to understand the
locations, frequencies, and momentum of meteoroid impacts on the Moon′s surface,
as well as the temperature changes and sizes of craters formed by these impacts. This
information will aid in evaluating the safety and durability of engineering facilities. | en_US |