(meteorobs) Difference between Bolides and Fireballs -OT

[Chris Peterson]

The thing is, that's just another arbitrary definition which doesn't 
match any distinct physical properties.

I think of meteors (and/or meteoroids) as falling into four natural 
divisions. (1) Particles so small that they slow down before they heat 
significantly (micrometeorites); (2) particles small enough that they 
generate heat as a result of collisions with air molecules (less than a 
few millimeters); (3) bodies large enough to generate heat as a result 
of compression of air in front of them (these will generally be 
considered fireballs); (4) bodies large enough to reach the ground still 
carrying some of their cosmic velocity.

Giving these distinct names might be justified; otherwise, I'd just 
stick with meteor and fireball (the last used loosely, to suggest a 
particularly bright event), and qualify them as necessary.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <stange34 at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Global Meteor Observing Forum" <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 9:40 AM
Subject: Re: (meteorobs) Difference between Bolides and Fireballs -OT


Might I suggest that Bolide be used to describe a meteorioid that is
characteriized by an exceptionally long duration and apparent size of
ablation?

This would automatically include the impactor concept because it would 
take
both size and duration to achieve a terrestrial disturbance.

And further, it would satisfy the physcial size gap between mm size
meteoroids and those mass sizes that are described as asteroids.

Under this definition, the massive fireball in New Mexico witnessed on 
film
by Sandia 1 & the Radio Observatory would be a Bolide. Our typical 
filming
and observation of lessor events would be Fireballs regardless the 
explosive
ablation or meterite fall-out.

Just a thought. -YCSentinel