Observations of small-sized noctilucent clouds from the Mir orbital space station in 1996-1997

Generalized results of the observation of noctilucent clouds (including abo ut 270 of small horizontal size) from the Mir orbital space station in the period from December of 1996 to January of 1997 are presented. The observed seasonal variations in the total expanse of the fields of immense noctiluc ent clouds and the observation frequency of small-sized noctilucent clouds attest to the significant influence of meteor showers on the processes invo lved in their formation in the mesopause. (C) 2000 The Optical Society of A merica.