(meteorobs) Difference between Bolides and Fireballs -OT

[Chris Peterson]

> However, isn't there
> another group between 3 and 4: body large enough to reach the ground
> having lost its cosmic velocity, i.e. free falls.

I considered that, but I think that whether some parts of a body slow 
down enough to avoid burning up depends on complex and subtle 
parameters. Other than the general notion that slow, shallow meteors are 
more likely to produce meteorites, there are no consistent physical 
properties that determine which category 3 meteors will or will not. So 
I don't think this is a very useful classification for _meteors_; there 
will be meteors with very similar characteristics, some of which will 
and some of which will not produce meteorites. How do you categorize 
luck?

Chris

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


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Malcolm J. Currie" <mjc at star.rl.ac.uk>
To: "Global Meteor Observing Forum" <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2008 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: (meteorobs) Difference between Bolides and Fireballs -OT


> On Fri, 13 Jun 2008, Chris Peterson wrote:
>
>> The thing is, that's just another arbitrary definition which doesn't
>> match any distinct physical properties.
>
> Yes we've seen what happens in such instances.  Recall the heated
> debate of the definition of a planet, and now plutoid.
>
>> 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.
>
> That's a good classification based upon physics.  However, isn't there
> another group between 3 and 4: body large enough to reach the ground
> having lost its cosmic velocity, i.e. free falls.  Aren't most
> meteorites in this category?
>
> Malcolm Currie