Re: Fiery meteor trails: Friction or compression?
Hi,I dont know the rigorous answer to your question. However, The answer is "both" but which contributes more is hard to say, and will depend on the altitude. My (off the cuff theory mind you) is at high altitude friction dominates, as it hits denser atsmospher compression becomes more and more dominant.
Hope this helps, I know I haven't posted much here lately but I just found out I have to move to Hawaii to work on a telescope...(I guess I can put up with paradise a few years...lol). If you are ever visiting the big island look me up...I would be happy to give you a tour...