(meteorobs) Electrophonic/simultaneous Meteor/Aurora Sounds

[Ernie Iverson]

Hi Ed,

The first meteor shower that I drove out of the city (Los Angeles) to 
witness was pretty special.   Unfortunately, I don't remember which shower, 
or exactly when it occurred.  I've tried on several occasions to figure this 
out, but have always drawn a blank.  It was probably in the early or mid 
90's.  I was not interested in the scientific study of meteors at the time, 
so I didn't keep any records.  Anyway, there was a significant number of 
bright fireballs that produced a hissing noise.  I also remember some of the 
fireballs were bright enough to dimly illuminate the ground.  Thinking back 
on the experience, and knowing what I know now,  I doubt that any of the 
fireballs actually impacted the earth.  I have also heard electrophonic 
noises on a couple of other occasions while doing meteor counts.   I use to 
count meteors from several dark sights in the Mojave desert north east of 
the city.  On a couple of occasions I noted hearing a hissing noise 
associated with a bright fireball.  These were rare, isolated events, 
nothing like that first shower.  I feel very fortunate and blessed to have 
experienced these events.

Ernie Iverson
Lufkin, TX

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ed Majden" <epmajden at shaw.ca>
To: "Global Meteor Observing Forum" <meteorobs at meteorobs.org>; 
<radiometeoren at vvs.be>
Cc: "RASCals Discussion List" <rascals at lists.rasc.ca>
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 5:51 PM
Subject: (meteorobs) Electrophonic/simultaneous Meteor/Aurora Sounds


> Hello Groups:
> I don't know if this is appropriate or not, but could we conduct a
> survey of visual meteor/aurora observers, on the above lists, to see
> if observers have heard simultaneous sounds emitted by meteors or
> auroras?  By this, I mean sounds heard while visually observing the
> light event at the same time as you heard the associated sound.  Such
> sounds have been reported over many years by some observers.  If you
> have personally heard these sounds, what were the circumstances?
> During my younger years I observed both auroras and meteors but have
> never heard any sounds associated with the visual events.  We did
> extensive observations of this type throughout IGY in 1957/58 and of
> course during other years.  I have an open mind on this topic so this
> is of interest to me and others I suspect. I have heard sonic booms
> but these have all been delayed sounds. Post to me directly if you
> wish or to the list until someone objects.
> Ed Majden
> Courtenay, B.C. Canada
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