(meteorobs) Huge fireball observed over France on January 25 2008

Karl Antier ka.antier at wanadoo.fr
Sun Jan 27 14:06:19 EST 2008


Hi all meteor observers !

The list is quite quiet now...
So to wake it a little bit, I wanted to inform you that a huge (around 
-12/-15 according to the first testimonies I read) fireball crossed in
Southern France on January 25 evening, around 17h15 UT. It apparently
crossed from very South of France (Provence) to Central France (Bourges,
where it seems to have fragmented), and produced strong sonic booms.
I'm currently collecting data to try to reconstruct its trajectory, and
let you informed of what it gives.
It was also apparently observed from Italy. Has anyone witnesses from
that part of Europe ?
And if anyone has anything to share...

Thank you in advance !
Clear skies,
Karl





> Message du 25/01/08 18:14
> De : "Robert Lunsford" 
> A : "Global Meteor Observing Forum" 
> Copie à : 
> Objet : (meteorobs) Meteor Activity Outlook for January 25-31, 2008
> 
> January sees a peak of sporadic activity for the southern hemisphere while
> rates seen north of the equator begin a steady downward turn that continues
> throughout the first half of the year. The sporadic activity is good for
> both hemispheres, but not as good as it was for northern observers in
> December. Once the Quadrantids have passed the shower activity for January
> is very quiet.
> 
> During this period the moon reaches its last quarter phase on Wednesday
> January 30. At this time the moon will rise near midnight and remain in the
> sky the remainder of the morning. This weekend the bright waning gibbous
> will make observing difficult unless your sky is transparent. The estimated
> total hourly rates for evening observers this week is near two no matter
> your location. For morning observers the estimated total hourly rates should
> be near ten no matter your location. These rates assume that you are
> watching from rural areas away from all sources of light pollution. The
> actual rates will also depend on factors such as personal light and motion
> perception, local weather conditions, alertness and experience in watching
> meteor activity. Rates are reduced this week due to intense moonlight.
> 
> The radiant positions and rates listed below are exact for Saturday
> night/Sunday morning January 26/27. These positions do not change greatly
> day to day so the listed coordinates may be used during this entire period.
> Most star atlases (available at science stores and planetariums) will
> provide maps with grid lines of the celestial coordinates so that you may
> find out exactly where these positions are located in the sky. A planisphere
> or computer planetarium program is also useful in showing the sky at any
> time of night on any date of the year. Activity from each radiant is best
> seen when it is positioned highest in the sky, either due north or south
> along the meridian, depending on your latitude. It must be remembered that
> meteor activity is rarely seen at the radiant position. Rather they shoot
> outwards from the radiant so it is best to center your field of view so that
> the radiant lies at the edge and not the center. Viewing there will allow
> you to easily trace the path of each meteor back to the radiant (if it is a
> shower member) or in another direction if it is a sporadic. Meteor activity
> is not seen from radiants that are located below the horizon. The positions
> below are listed in a west to east manner in order of right ascension
> (celestial longitude). The positions listed first are located further west
> therefore are accessible earlier in the night while those listed further
> down the list rise later in the night.
> 
> The full descriptions of each active meteor shower will continue next week
> when the moon becomes less of a nuisance to observers.
> 
> The table below presents a condensed version of the expected activity this
> week. Rates and positions are exact for Saturday night/Sunday morning.
> 
> Antihelion (ANT) - 09:20 (140) +14 Velocity - 30 km/sec.
> Northern Hemisphere - 2 Southern Hemisphere - 1
> 
> *For a detailed explanation on the different classes of meteor showers and
> other astronomical terms, please visit:
> http://www.amsmeteors.org/showers.html#X2008
> 
> Clear Skies!
> Robert Lunsford
> American Meteor Society 
> 
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