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Originally Posted by Newtownian
I think I can confirm the 'meteor/fireball' seen on Monday night 16th March. I was trialing out my new telescope between about 1030pm and 1230am when it went over. At a guess it was between 11 and 1130pm. The trail was as described lasting several seconds and was yellow orange in color. Our backyard runs approximately west to east and I think the object was pretty much on that course. We dont have much view so I'd estimate it was at an elevation of 60-70 degrees and south of us. This seems to fit with it being seen in the Blue Mts given we are 60 miles west from Katoomba here. The brightness at a guess of the nucleus was comparable to Venus, maybe a little brighter.
The fact it was this visible here should have struck me as surprising I guess.
I dismissed it a bit becausen it sort of seemed 'slow' almost suggesting sky rocket rather than an object reentering the atmosphere.
I have seen fireballs before most notably 35 years ago on the beach at Gerringong at mid winter in perfect sparkling skies. The latter was white in color and the track was very steep - about 45-60 degrees.
Given the track and the different color I cant help wonder if it wasnt a burning up satellite. Any suggestions on how to tell the difference? The track seemed to suggest a shallow slope impact with the atmosphere and the color a gradual burnup.
Newtownian   |
Great to hear you had a glimpse of it Newtonian. Indeed it was between 10-11 I would say (i should have logged the time darn it!). Was definitely brighter than Venus, I'd guess almost twice the magnitude of venus!
So it could have been a burning satellite? I hope it wasn't would ruin the surprise
Quote:
Originally Posted by Astro78
Definitely not crazy you lucky buggar!
To see them anywhere is amazing little lone the blue mountains...drool
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lol I feel honoured thanks
