Meteor Lights Up the Ground, Rappville, NSW 12/04/05 @ 23:48

[xrekcor]

Just wondering did anyone else see this amzingly bright meteor.

Last night I had just finished observing Europa accultation of
Jupiter. When the side of the house was lit up, I turned and
looked up at the sky behind me to catch one very thick bright
trail and the meteor explode into several pieces.

Local time 23:48, from my location it appeared to originate from
Corvus. Traveling in a S.E. direction through Hydra, tipping
Centaurus and then on to Vela. Exploding near the star Mu
Vela (SAO 222321)

This would have to be the brightest meteor I have ever seen.
It's trail made me turn away from my scope to look and the
explosion lit up the whole area.

Clear Skies

[iceman]

Wow that sounds awesome! I saw a bright fireball at the SPSP which was the first time I'd seen one - sparks flying off it, it was spectacular.

Makes you wish you had a camera handy!

[Comet Hunter]

Phoar! That would've been great to have witnessed... A few months back while out imaging I heard a whizzing sound, looked up and seen a huge fireball burning up over head, mustn't have been all that far up to be able to hear it, made the morning well worth the effort :2thumbs: There's no time for camera shots Ice, they're over in a flash :)

[rumples riot]

Didn't see that one but did see one about 630pm SA time, was very spectacular, similar look from your description. And on top of this I saw an Iridium flare not long after it.

As to the meteor, I wonder if we are passing through a zone of larger rock pieces than usual. I see plenty of meteors but Large ones are a little rare. Anyone know?