Quote:
Originally Posted by Robh
Anyone know why would it have exploded at that height (15 to 20 kms)? Was that because its trajectory was more tangential than normal to the Earth's atmosphere on entry?
Rob
|
I've been wondering the same thing. Silicate content, I believe, would be a major factor. But found this from UNQ Physics dept:
"Earth orbital speed is 28.8km/s, orbital escape speed is the square root of two times this, 42.1km/s, and surface escape speed is 11.2km/s. The slowest meteor would be one that just catches up with the earth then "falls", 11.2 km/s. Don't expect anything less than 12km/s. But a retrograde body in parabolic orbit (the maximum speed for a body at a distance of 1AU that is a member of the solar system) might close with earth at a speed of 42.1+28.8=70.9km/s plus the 11.2 "fall" for a total of (total2=70.92+11.22) 72km/s. So we expect a range of 12-70km/s with the slower ones in the evening ("catch up" and prograde, no retrograde) and fast ones in the morning"
I'd bet the slower ones are most likely to explode higher. If you get a definitive answer, pls let me know.
Apologies Carl, missed your reply before I chimed in