Asymptotic theory of the motion of celestial bodies in the atmosphere

At a large entry velocity of celestial bodies into the atmosphere, a mass-loss parameter β=σVe2/2 (σ is the ablation coefficient) is very large. So, for some versions of the 1908 Tunguska event parameters, one has β=5–25. In the case of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 fragments entry into Jupiter, the parameter β is 75–100. Some stations of European Fireball Network have observed at May, June 1997 two bolides, for which β was estimated as 150 and 40. Therefore, the limiting theory for meteoroid motion in the atmosphere is developed. The solution of meteoric physics equations depends on two (single body) or three parameters (splitting body), and β is among them as argument of some special functions. The asymptotic limit of the solution at β⪢1 looks like changing meteoroid mass from entry value to zero at constant velocity. This limit for a single body was compared with observations in May, June 1997 in Czech Republic, and good agreement was achieved. Ultimate models with fragmentation are necessary to understand some real features of large-scale events. So, results of this work show that for large bodies such as Tunguska space body and comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 fragments, we should discuss a motion of gaseous volume after finishing ablation at almost entry velocity. Probably, the big forest fall in 1908 in Siberia and plumes in 1994 on Jupiter are results of such gas jets.