METEOROID ORBITAL CHARACTERISTICS BY RADAR SURVEILENCE

H.F. radars are a powerful diagnostic for examining the orbits and spa tial characteristics of the dust-meteoroid complex. Data on those prop erties are essential in realistic studies of the dynamics of small bod ies in the solar system. An outline is here presented of the various p rogrammes and their techniques employed in radar operations over the l ast 40 years. The particular value and contribution of radar facilitie s and comparisons with other methods is emphasised. Some of the featur es of the only current routine survey are discussed and, to illustrate to power of the system, examples of the types of data presentation ar e given.