[meteorite-list] Direct Detection of VLF EMR Produced by Fireballs

From: Sterling K. Webb <kelly_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 09:55:52 2004
Message-ID: <3C53B2C2.F2088B47_at_bhil.com>

Hi, List,

    For those fascinated by the story on electrophonic sounds
produced by meteors, a direct detector for Very Low Frequency
electromagnetic radiation is a Very Simple Project. You will note
that the radio frequencies involved are those of sound waves
audible to the human ear. The "detector" need only be a
conventional audio amplifier connected to an an antenna tuned to
very low wave length. That is, a very long antenna.
    So, string a half-mile of copper cable above your cow
pasture. Hook it up to an old audio amp. Dump the output into a
tape recorder (and/or headphones). Another old audio amp could be
attached to a string of tree-mounted microphones and another
recorder to give you a simultaneous record of both the
electromagnetic waves and the induced sounds.
    Besides the natural "receivers" of induced electrophonic
waves mentioned in the articles, like dry hair and eyeglass
frames, there are other "receivers." One of the best is a high
gas flame. Hook up a powerful audio amp to a big gas burner and
you can get it to "sing." It is a truly weird experience. Burning
bush, anyone?
    The sensitivity of such a rig is not extraordinarily high,
but if the VLF of a meteor is strong enough to make the frames of
your eyeglasses sizzle, I guarantee you it will be more than
sensitive enough and the apparatus is very cheap to construct.
    Even if you never "hear" a meteor shower, with this detector
you can sit in the muggy midwestern summer night listening to the
lightening song of a thunderstorm in New Zealand or Australia or
anywhere else in the world.


Sterling K. Webb
Received on Sun 27 Jan 2002 02:56:50 AM PST