(meteorobs) Difference between Bolides and Fireballs -OT

[stange34 at sbcglobal.net]

Not withstanding all that has been said by others,

To be useful to the meteor community, the term Bolide should be weighted on 
the QUALITVE side by a generalized yet distinctive definition, not specific 
parameters of measure or a detail which inhibits its use.

Otherwise, a highly technical description, or specific quantative measure 
would restrict the term to only those that can make near absolute measure 
and prevent the use of the term by most observers. Additionally, too 
technical can bog it down & prevent any definition at all in a timely manner 
by IMO.

Can anyone in good concience really deny all the big continent crossing 
fireballs, Peekskill, New Mexico, and other similar large events should not 
be described as Bolides?

Unless we decide Bolides are earth impactors only... we need to keep 
everything on a reasonable & practical level by definition because our use 
of "Fireballs" to describe the appearance of more ablation than a meteor 
streak, is a self-explanatory term not having further need for clearer 
understanding to convey the thought.

Keeping it simple will be of more practical use I think. -YCSentinel


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Kramer" <kramer at sria.com>
To: "Global Meteor Observing Forum" <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>; "Global 
Meteor Observing Forum" <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>
Sent: 2008/06/13 10:00
Subject: Re: (meteorobs) Difference between Bolides and Fireballs -OT


> At 11:40 AM 6/13/2008, stange34 at sbcglobal.net wrote:
>>Might I suggest that Bolide be used to describe a meteorioid that is
>>characteriized by an exceptionally long duration and apparent size of
>>ablation?
>
> Intending only to be mildly facetious...
>
> I generally think in terms of applying "bolide" in the cases where
> the meteor could make you say "ouch" if you happened to be standing
> in the wrong (right?) place. All others I call fireballs.
>
>
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