Search for OH(A–X ) and detection of N2+(B–X) in ultraviolet meteor spectrum

An ultraviolet–visible spectrum between 300 and 450 nm of a cometary meteoroid originated from 55P/Tempel-Tuttle was investigated. The spectroscopy was carried out an intensified high definition TV camera with a slit-less reflection grating during the 2001 Leonid meteor shower over Japan. A best fit calculation mixed with atoms and molecules confirmed the first discovery of N2+B2Σu+→X2Σg+ bands in the UV meteor spectrum. N2+ temperature was estimated to 10,000 K with a low number density of 1.55 × 105 cm−3. We also discuss the possibility that enhanced emissions in a meteor and a train around 310 nm are caused by the band head of OH A2Σ+ → X2Π. Since cometary dust may have contributed organics and water to the Earth from its early period until now, OH A–X (0, 0) must be investigated.