[Kokatha man]

Well, I've been observing the sky for well over half a century now, and have seen some amazing sights, including some phenomenal meteorites....

But the one my wife and I just witnessed on our nightly walk just paled into insignificance any meteorite I have ever seen!!!

At 9.22/3 pm tonight, an absolutely dazzlingly brilliant meteoric "fireball" lit up the sky E - ESE of the our position, a couple of blocks from our home in Sellicks Beach. (SA)

First observed appearing directly below gamma Hydra with respect to the horizon, and south of Spica, it traversed a distance of approx 15+ degrees at slow motion and disappeared below the level of the Willunga Hills escarpment; still with such energy, apparent size and undiminshed brilliance that both of us are convinced, considering our perspective of it, that it must have struck the ground because of its' appearance when it disappeared below sight. (my wife has also been an avid "AA" for the nearly 40 years we've been together)

It emanated a tail, and would have had a total angular "length" of approx 45' from head to tail tip, as approximated by the waxing moon. The head would have subtended approx 10' with a (roughly) oval appearance, and its' brilliance put the gibbous moon's brightness to shame.

Such a truly spectacular and once in a lifetime sight (and I've seen some ***** spectacular meteorites!) that I intend investigating the area tomorrow, such is it's impact (if you'll pardon the pun!) on us tonight! I even used a chalky stone on the roadside to mark its' relative direction, the time and date after witnessing it; to help in my further investigations.....

Regards, Darryl.